Sawt Falasteen - Eswatini minister slammed for reported threat to expel LGBTQ pupils

The minister's remarks last week have raised fears of stigmatisation and bullying in Africa's last absolute monarchy, where same-sex relations are banned and the government is accused of repression.

The Eswatini Observer quoted education minister Owen Nxumalo as saying during a tour of schools: "I will not tolerate any issues that come with homosexual relationships in our schools."

Nxumalo said he would personally visit schools where same-sex relations were reported and instruct principals to expel those involved, the local daily said.

At a meeting called Tuesday to respond, the Eswatini Sexual and Gender Minorities (ESGM) group said the comment "invites bullying, fuels mental health crises and leads to... systemic exclusion".

The "principles of equality we fight for as adults must begin with a safe seat in a classroom for every child", it said in a statement.

"We had to convene urgently... as we fear there would be misconceptions that fuel stigmatisation in schools," executive director Mphile Sihlongonyane told AFP.

The CANGO network of non-government organisations, which was also present, earlier demanded the minister retract the remarks.

Amnesty International said last week the ministry must "guarantee that no student is expelled or otherwise punished on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on the basis of stereotypes and rumours".

The landlocked nation of 1.3 million people has been ruled since 1986 by King Mswati III, who has faced criticism for his extravagant lifestyle and repeated human rights violations.

It has strong ties with Washington, accepting last year at least 15 men under the Trump administration's third-country deportation programme, with more likely to arrive this year, according to correctional service officials.

Y.AlMasri--SF-PST