ESWATINI THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN
PRO-DEMOCRACY AND ANTI-POLICE BRUTALITY PROTESTS
How we got here
The human rights situation has deteriorated sharply in Eswatini. The Eswatini government continues to
ignore the constitutional provisions on human rights and use law enforcement and legal instruments to
crush calls for justice and democratic reform. What started as a call for an end to police brutality has
turned into full-fledged dissent, with repeated calls for political and human rights centred reform.
2021 in Eswatini
8-9 May: Mysterious death of 25 year old law student Thabani Nkomonye.
May-June: Peaceful nation-wide petitions to various local constituencies calling for an end to police brutality.
25 June: Acting Prime Minister issues decree banning all protests and delivery of petitions. Heavy crackdown on dissent begins by state security forces using excessive force. Over 70 peaceful protestors were allegedly killed in the days that followed.
29 June: Internet Shutdown.
4 July: Regional actor (Southern Africa Development Community) arrives in Eswatini to scope ongoing unrest.
16 July: Sibaya (traditional dialogue) held at Ludzidzini Royal residence by King Mswati III where he announced new Prime Minister, Cleopas Dlamini
25 July: Two Members of Parliament, Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube were arrested and detained at Mbabane police station under frivolous charges including the Suppression of Terrorism Act.
1 October: Over 10,000 peaceful protestors march to US Embassy appealing for support. One protestor shot.
15 October: Internet shutdown.
18 October: Nationwide protests met with disproportionate force. Death toll rises to over 80.
Source: Amnesty International