Pro-democracy protests continue to rock Eswatini kingdom – KIRO 7 News Seattle

JOHANNESBURG – (AP) – The South African government has urged calm and restraint in Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, which was gripped by pro-democratic protests this week amid increasing reports of state violence against demonstrators.

Protesters are calling for democratic reforms and accusing King Mswati III, who has ruled the tiny mountain kingdom as an absolute monarch for more than 30 years, of repression.

Human rights groups accuse the royal family, including the king’s 15 wives, of lavish lifestyles while many of the country’s 1.1 million people live in poverty.

Mbabane, the capital, and Mazini, the largest city, were reportedly hardest hit by the protests, in which protesters barricaded streets and set fires, often in businesses owned or linked to the royal family.

Shops, factories and trucks are also said to have burned down in the industrial city of Matsapha.

The Eswatini government has imposed a night curfew from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m. to suppress the demonstrations.

Photos and videos on social media show soldiers attacking people believed to be protesters.

Activists have claimed soldiers and police have killed more than 20 protesters since the protests began this week, but this has not been confirmed by police, government officials or health workers.

Acting Prime Minister Themba Masuku alleged that the legitimate protests were “kidnapped by criminal elements”.

In a statement on Thursday, the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation said it had “noted with grave concern the ongoing political and security situation” in Eswatini.

“We are particularly concerned about reports of loss of life and property destruction. The right to peaceful protest is widely recognized, ”said spokesman Clayson Monyela.

He called on the Eswatini security forces to “show total restraint and protect people’s lives and property”.

The demonstrators are calling for reforms, including the lifting of the opposition parties that have been banned since 1973.

Sonke Dube, President of the Swaziland Youth Congress, who is involved in the demonstrations, called on the United Nations, the 16-strong development community of southern Africa and the African Union to intervene.

“We urge you to call Mswati to order. Isolate him from the community of peace loving nations. Sanctions him and his immediate family and cronies until we have a people’s government in Swaziland, “Dube said in a statement.

South Africa’s ruling African National Congress, which has historic ties with Swaziland ranging from supporting the country for its liberation struggle, has criticized the government for violence against demonstrators.

“Using security forces to quell political disagreements and failing to address legitimate civilian concerns complicates the conflict and fuels the fire,” said Lindiwe Zulu, director of international relations for the ANC.

The US State Department on Thursday updated its travel warning for Eswatini to warn Americans not to travel to the country and announced that it would allow non-essential American diplomats and their families to leave due to the deteriorating security situation there.

“Eswatini is experiencing dangerous unrest and protests across the country,” said the ministry, pointing to the imposition of a curfew, the closure of the international airport and communication disruptions.

The day before, the ministry had asked the Eswatini authorities “to exercise restraint and also to extremely respect human rights”.

“As the situation evolves, the United States urges everyone involved in this situation not only to remain calm, but also to remain peaceful,” deputy spokeswoman Jalina Porter told reporters on Wednesday.

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