This archive report was first published on 29 June 2021.
On June 28, 2021, pro-democracy protests escalated in eSwatini, with reports of violent clashes between protesters and the army.
King Mswati III, Africa's last total monarch, was at the center of the controversy, with some reports claiming he had fled the country.
However, the eSwatini government has denied these claims, with acting Prime Minister Themba Masuku stating that the King was in the country and continuing to lead the government.
“His Majesty King Mswati III is in the country and continues to lead in working with the government to advance the Kingdom's goals,” Masuku said in a virtual press conference.
The protests, which began several days ago, were sparked by a decree banning the delivery of petitions calling for democratic reforms.
Leading chain store OK Foods was torched and looted, and the army was deployed to areas of unrest.
The Economic Freedom Fighters [Eswatini] condemned the deployment of the army, saying it was an attempt to unleash violence on innocent citizens.
