Eswatini’s King Mswati III and his wife attend a welcome ceremony of the Russia-Africa summit in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Russia, Oct. 23, 2019 (TASS News Agency pool photo by Valery Sharifulin via AP).
Eswatini’s Pro-Democracy Movement Isn’t Going Away
Marcel Plichta Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021
Following the intense pro-democracy protests that rocked Eswatini over the summer, international interest in the small southern African nation has waned. But for proponents of democratic reforms in the continent’s last absolute monarchy—formerly known as Swaziland—the fight is far from over.
In mid-October, demonstrations once again intensified, partly to demand the release of two pro-democracy lawmakers who have been detained since July. Security forces loyal to King Mswati III responded with tear gas and rubber bullets, resulting in at least one death and 80 injuries. ...