2021 Eswatini Protests
This is a resource site covering the current protests in Eswatini, including fundraising links, online resources and data collection forms.
Solidarity Eswatini is non-partisan and unaffiliated to any political party or agenda – We stand for human rights, safety and dignity for all emaSwati.
This denial of dialogue between civil society and the constitutionally-enshrined state, on top of years of growing frustration and oppression, resulted in widespread anger as many emaSwati took to the streets in protest all around the country. Authorities chose to singularly focus on property damage rather than any of the legitimate concerns being raised, ultimately responding with excessive, continuous force that resulted in the serious injury and death of many protesters, innocent bystanders and passers-by. A lack of transparency and reporting access has led to uncertainty around the exact figures of the deceased and injured. There are, however, alarming numbers of first-hand accounts and media documentation of excessive acts of violence perpetrated by state actors, specifically the main security forces, the Royal Eswatini Police Force and the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (Eswatini’s military). Government claims these incidents are a result of foreign mercenaries impersonating local security forces, but no proof has been offered to this effect.
A significant deployment of security forces in communities conducting intimidating house-to-house searches, the restricting of internet access, and the spreading of misleading information have quietened the situation on a street-level, but anger, tension and uncertainty remain high and calls for open, transparent and inclusive dialogue continue to be ignored. The government of eSwatini’s press statements, conveyed through the Acting Prime Minister, Themba Masuku, have not accurately acknowledged the deaths nor condoned the security forces actions, and, most worryingly, they have not set out any clear action for meaningful dialogue which will address the people’s demands in accordance with the rights and protections instituted within the country’s constitution.
Coalitions representing civil society and the people of Eswatini are calling for:
- An inclusive political dialogue
- Total unbanning of political parties
- A transitional executive authority
- A multiparty democratic dispensation
- A new democratic constitution
The Southern Arican Development Community (SADC), African Union, wider diplomatic community and human rights organizations have extended their concerns on what is happening in Eswatini, but more resolute actions and the condoning of state sanctioned atrocities are urgently needed. The SADC Troika Intervention are currently evaluating the situation after an initial fact-finding mission and more robust and inclusive dialogue sessions are promised. The tension, meanwhile, is palpable.
We stand for human rights, safety and dignity for all emaSwati, and join in the call for urgent, transparent, peaceful and united dialogue that will result in appropriate long-term reforms based on the united demands issued by civil society stakeholders. The final result of these demands, i.e. the shape and nature of political reform, must be decided by all emaSwati.
If you would like to donate directly in Eswatini, directly in person, offer other services or contact us please email solidarity.eswatini@gmail.com or get in touch with us on social media.
For those that lost loved ones during this time, please use the form below
We are also taking in donations for medical devices
If you would like to donate medical devices (orthotic and prosthetic) for those injured by the security forces’ violence against emaSwati, see below:
Thabani Nkomonye was last seen alive on May 8th. A few days later the body of the 25-year-old law student was found in a field near Manzini in Eswatini. The police say he died in a car crash. Friends and family say the police killed him.
Coverage of emaSwati who were shocked by the king’s purchase of Rolls Royce vehicles for his wives for US$20M when most of the population lives below the poverty line.
By the middle of last week, with sheer and unbridled brute force, the Eswatini monarchy and its government had managed to force a retreat by pro-democracy protests and restore a semblance of calm to streets of various towns of Eswatini. However the calm masks a simmering anger.
Images and videos of murder, torture, beatings, torchings and other violence in Eswatini have emerged, showing a kingdom where human rights do not exist.
The king of Eswatini has summoned the nation to convene at Ludzidzini Royal Palace on Friday ahead of another mass anti-monarchy protest as police collect bullets from dead bodies to conceal evidence for crimes against humanity.
China has stepped up its pressure on Eswatini to dump Taiwan by threatening to cut all trade should the absolute monarchy not recognise its One-China policy.
Eswatini’s political opposition says the country’s government is trying to use Covid-19 restrictions as an excuse to prevent its political opponents from meeting the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Eswatini, the former Swaziland, has been ruled by high-living kings since its independence in 1968. Its impoverished citizens say they’ve had enough.
Eswatini’s King Mswati has ruled the kingdom, previously known as Swaziland, for 35 years. But people are demanding democratic reforms. They’re angry at widespread poverty, while the King spends millions on private jets and luxury cars. Opposition groups say soldiers have killed dozens of protesters. So will King Mswati listen to the demands for political change?
- July 2, 2021 – Africa’s Last Absolute Monarchy Teeters Amid Protests Against King’s Lavish Lifestyle
A week of nationwide protests has left dozens of people dead in the tiny nation of Eswatini, raising the prospect that Africa’s last absolute monarchy could fall.
In normal circumstances when dozens of peaceful protesters are gunned down indiscriminately in the streets with scores more arrested, detained, and brazenly denied their human rights, the world’s media takes notice
Civil society groups in the Kingdom of Eswatini are calling for more protests this week, to push for political reforms on King Mswati III’s 30 year-long absolute monarchy.
The eruption of violence in the Kingdom of Eswatini in recent days is “deeply concerning”, amid reports that dozens of people have been killed or injured during protests calling for democratic reforms, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, said on Tuesday. In a statement later in the day, the UN chief called for “inclusive and meaningful dialogue”, to end the violence.
A clampdown by security forces against pro-democracy protesters in Eswatini has left scores dead. Many factors led to unprecedented violence in Africa’s last absolute monarchy. Could this spell the end of that system?
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres is concerned about the unrest in the Kingdom of eSwatini, his spokesperson said on Wednesday.
I’m reaching out because I saw on Twitter that your acting prime minister, Mr Themba Masuku, said that all concerned people of eSwatini should send their complaints to a newly created government email address.
Dozens have died seeking reforms to African kingdom where many are dubious about authorities’ offer of talks
Rumours have swirled that that king fled the country after the security forces’ deadly crackdown on democracy protesters
- 15/07/2021 – Joint Statement – EU, UK, US Missions
The European Union, United States, and United Kingdom missions welcome the calling of a Sibaya which allows HM King Mswati III to address his people, and represents an initial opportunity for citizens to express their views
Remove all that you have heard about so called mercenaries infiltration protests or killing Swazis while wearing the local army uniform. That at best is a government counter narrative orchestrated by Vuma Reputation Management largely based on falsehoods.
In case of emergency; be it arrest, injury or death of anyone during the political unrest, contact 78896737 or 7629 0288 for assistance.
+268 76174376 – Mzwandile Masuku
+26876111676 – Wandile Dludlu
We hear the people’s loud cries, as the country bleeds. We are here to offer our free therapy services. We are #HERE2TALK.
Feel free to call or text us and one of our counselors will call you right back. +268 78050343
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