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EXPERT COMMENT

Africa’s last absolute monarchy must recognize the country’s changing dynamics and calls for democratic reform or face a political stalemate and recurring violence.

Mounting pressures for democratic reform in eSwatini have led to the arrest of two pro-democracy MPs on suppression of terrorism charges and a brutal crackdown by security forces which have left dozens dead. Hopes for an ‘emaSwati spring’ are unlikely to be realized as the country now faces a protracted stalemate between its young urban population and an entrenched absolute monarchy.

Protests began in May following the death of 25-year-old law student Thabani Nkomanye, allegedly at hands of the police. The violence further intensified after the then acting prime minister, Themba Masuku, banned citizens from submitting petitions to MPs calling for reform. Between 21 June and 23 July the country was rocked by unprecedented civil unrest as frustrated citizens took to the streets with a clear set of demands, including lifting the ban on political parties and the ability to elect a prime minister – a position currently appointed by the king.

According to Amnesty International, more than 70 people have been killed by state security forces during the protests and more than 150 people hospitalized. United Nations organs have called for independent investigation into reported human rights abuses, pointing to reports of ‘disproportionate and unnecessary use of force, harassment and intimidation’ by security forces.

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