2021–2023 Eswatini protests instance of demonstration
A series of protests in Eswatini against the monarchy and for democratisation began in late June 2021. Starting as a peaceful protest on 20 June, they escalated after 25 June into violence and looting over the weekend as the government took a hardline stance against the demonstrations and prohibited the delivery of petitions.Background and cause
Eswatini is one of the world’s few countries (and the only in Africa) that is an absolute monarchy, with Mswati III having been the king since 1986. Political parties have been banned since 1973, under the preceding king Sobhuza II, due to a "state of emergency" that has remained to this day, and are heavily persecuted under "anti-terrorism" laws. The prime minister is appointed by the monarch. Although protests are reportedly rare, there have been demonstrations in 2018 and 2019 over Mswati III's lavish lifestyle and alleged misuse of public funds. A series of UN-hosted discussions in 2020 displayed support for a democratic, constitutional monarchy in the country. According to Afrobarometer, trust in government institutions, including the monarchy, has significantly decreased over the past several years and citizens are seeking alternatives to authoritarian rule, although only 49% support a democratic administration over other forms of government.The immediate cause of the protest was when three pro-democracy MPs advocated for the introduction of a more democratic system. In addition, the death of a college student under mysterious circumstances in May led to suspicions that the police had killed him and subsequent protests at the time, which were supported by opposition legislators and led to a state of preexisting tension.
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