On Thursday, July 1, South Africa and the United Kingdom criticized the violent repression of demonstrations against the monarchy in Eswatini, the government of this small country in southern Africa that accuses “foreign elements” and “terrorists” of sowing seeds.
Africa’s last absolute monarchy, formerly known as Swaziland, has been shaken for weeks by clashes between police and protesters. Several people have been killed and dozens injured, according to pro-democracy activists.
The protest, which had been brewing for several weeks, gained momentum on Monday. In recent days, hundreds of angry young people have looted and burned shops. “These actions are not those of the Eswatin, but terrorists and villains,” the prime minister argued on national radio, urging residents of the country “not to be fooled by foreign elements.”
Internet access has been limited since Tuesday. The government has imposed a curfew and deployed the army, officially “to protect sensitive national infrastructure and enforce measures against Covid,” Prime Minister Themba Masuku said in a statement.
Shops and banks were closed on Thursday in Mbabane, petrol stations had run out of petrol, according to an AFP correspondent. Rows of people trying to refill stretched out in front of the supermarkets. During the day, a few shots rang out.
The army deployed on the streets is patrolling. The soldiers go from house to house. They are no longer even looking for those demonstrating in the street. They attack young people directly in their homes. They are looking for anyone between the ages of 15 and 30, taking them out of their homes and beating them. The less fortunate are pushed and left injured on the street.
Lucky Lukhele, spokesman for the Swaziland Solidarity Network
International reactions
South Africa, a regional power on which this locked-in country depends for its supplies, called on “security forces to show total restraint and preserve life and property”. British Africa’s Secretary of State James Duddridge said on Twitter that “the escalation of violence, including looting, is deeply worrying”.
The UK is closely following developments in Eswatini. The right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression is crucial in all societies.
The escalation of violence, including looting, is deeply worrying. We urge all parties to engage constructively and restore calm.
– James Duddridge MP (@JamesDuddridge) July 1, 2021
The day before, the US asked the authorities to “show restraint”.
According to pro-democracy activists earlier this week, at least eight people were killed and dozens injured in clashes with police. But tolls could be higher, according to the secretary general of the United Democratic Front of Swaziland (SUDF), Wandile Dludlu, “more than forty bodies have been deposited in several mortuaries,” he told AFP.
The government has “not yet received an official report on the assumed deaths”, but an investigation will be carried out, the prime minister assured.
(with AFP)
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