Eswatini unrest: King Mswati allegedly flees amid chaotic protests

It has emerged that eSwatini’s King Mswati fled the kingdom, in the wake of violent demonstrations in parts of the nation.

According to various media reports, including SABC News, Matsapha, a town in central eSwatini has become the scene of chaos over the past several days. Residents have apparently gone manic: setting fire to shops and damaging other infrastructure.

The circumstances behind the unrest remain unclear at this point, however some reports suggest that citizens are protesting over political reform and want an end to monarchical rule.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in eSwatini has reacted to the ongoing violence and called for the international community to intervene.

“Thousands and thousands of Swazi citizens are out in the streets protesting for a New Democratic Government that is for the people by the people. We plead with the international community not to turn a blind eye we need you more than before,” the party said on social media.

[As it happens in Swaziland]: Thousands and thousands of Swazi citizens are out in the streets protesting for a New Democratic Government that is for the people by the people.
We plead with the international community not to turn a blind eye we need you more than before. pic.twitter.com/5VJ0DIm40l

— Economic Freedom Fighters of Swaziland (@EFFSwazi) June 28, 2021

Why exactly are there protests in eSwatini?

Lack of democracy in eSwatini, which was previously called Swaziland, has long been an issue plaguing the kingdom – King Mswati has absolute power, including in senior appointments like the prime minister, cabinet ministers and members of the judiciary.

In eSwatini, political parties are not allowed to take part in elections, as per legislation that was introduced in 2005. While groups advocating for democracy have also been outlawed.

It isn’t clear exactly what started the unrest, however residents recently gathered in a village in the kingdom’s Manzini district to demand the right to vote for their own prime minister. By extension, they want King Mswati to lift the ban on political parties – and are demanding to have their voices heard on the ballot paper.

King Mswati is known for lavish lifestyle, which is a stark contrast of the living conditions of his people, many of whom are poor. He was appointed King back in 1986, when he was just 18 years-old.