This archive report was first published on 2 July 2021.
On July 2, 2021, eSwatini's government faced international criticism for its crackdown on pro-democracy protests, with neighboring South Africa calling for 'total restraint' by security forces.
Acting Prime Minister Themba Masuku denied reports of deaths from the brutal force, suggesting that protesters had descended into 'criminality' and looted and damaged property.
However, lobbies in the country alleged that dozens of people had been killed after soldiers fired live rounds at protesters.
King Mswati III, Africa's last absolute monarch, had deployed the army in recent days as the landlocked kingdom of 1.2 million people was swamped with demonstrations by people demanding civil and political liberties.
Protesters have asked for a Prime Minister they can elect, as King Mswati III retains absolute authority over his government and appoints and fires judges, ministers, and senior civil servants.
Political parties were banned in 1973, and citizens had been using petitions to file grievances. Last month, the government controversially banned those petitions.
Mr. Masuku said the government will investigate the allegations and emphasized that no martial law had been declared.
He added that the government was highly concerned about the events in the country in the past few days and would continue to advocate for the full expression of all constitutional and human rights, including the right to protest.
