At least eight people were murdered on Wednesday in Eswatini as police clamped down on pro-democracy protesters, activist groups monitoring the country’s turmoil said.
The Swaziland Solidarity Network (SSN) and the Swaziland Youth Congress (Swayoco), which have been campaigning for political freedom in the monarchy, said on Wednesday that many people had been killed by security forces sent out to suppress the protests.
According to reports, the demonstrations began peacefully on June 20 in the Manzini region of Africa’s last absolute monarchy, when the youths flocked to the streets to demand the right to democratically elect their prime minister.
Under the current system, King Mswati III appoints his own premier.
“We can confirm there are eight people that were shot dead. They were shot by the army. 28 people were seriously injured and some of them are said to be in and out of theatre,” Lucky Lukhele told reporters.
Officials in Eswatini did not immediately respond to the fatality situation, but Acting Prime Minister Themba Masuku had previously urged citizens to avoid gatherings on Tuesday, citing Covid-19 precautions. He said the police will be deployed to maintain Covid-19 restrictions.
However, protesters see the new restrictions as a counter-protest tactic disguised as a response to the pandemic.
Swayoco said they would continue with the protests “in honour of our fallen patriots we will soldier on until democracy”.
