Eswatini is currently experiencing political turmoil. The Southern African nation is Africa’s last absolute monarchy and has been ruled for 35 years by Mswati III. Demonstrators have called for an end to the monarchy and for effective democratisation. The protests have intensified and become violent as the state has responded with a brutal crackdown. While the King is trying to control the situation, recently appointing a new Prime Minister, the monarchy, Africa’s last absolute, is shaken. This article by Tucker C. Toole is published by National Geographic. Here is an excerpt:

One nation is making its Olympics debut in Tokyo. Formerly known as Swaziland, the Kingdom of Eswatini—Africa’s last absolute monarchy—will be represented when four of its athletes go for the gold in track and field, boxing, and swimming.

While these citizens compete in Japan, many of their family, friends, and fans back home in Southern Africa are engaged in an entirely different struggle—one with far-reaching, and deadly, consequences.

For the past two months, Eswatini has been gripped by unrest as pro-democracy protestors have taken to the streets to call for political reform and express dissatisfaction with the rule of King Mswati III, Africa’s last absolute monarch.

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