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. Pariesa Young had this text in France24 The Observers. Here is an excerpt:

Formerly known as Swaziland, Eswatini is a small, landlocked country in southern Africa. Its leader, King Mswati III, has ruled for 35 years by decree. Now, longstanding criticisms of the monarchy, combined with concerns of police brutality have inflamed protests. In May, the death of young law student, Thabani Nkomonye, was blamed on police who in turn said he was the victim of a car accident. Demonstrations and an online movement with the hashtag #JusticeforThabani have been raging ever since.

The movement escalated and transformed into a call for democracy in late June when authorities took a hard stance against the ongoing protests and collective petitions for reform.

Much of the unrest has centered on the city of Manzini, Eswatini’s largest city, where Thabani Nkomonye died, but protests have spread across the country. Videos posted on social media have shown protesters mobilising in the streets, setting fire to tyres and buildings, and looting shops and trucks.

Continue reading here.