eSwatini imposes curfew amid violent protests

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG/MAZINI, eSwatini (AA) - Africa's last absolute monarchy of eSwatini on Tuesday announced a nighttime curfew as it deployed soldiers to quell violent protests demanding reforms.

"In order to minimize unnecessary movement and ensure the safety and security of emaSwati (eSwatini citizens) and residents, the government has taken the decision to introduce a curfew between 6 p.m. and 5 a.m. with immediate effect," acting Prime Minister Themba Masuku said in a statement.

Earlier in the day, soldiers in the small Southern African kingdom fired teargas to break up protests calling for reforms to abolish the monarchy.

Critics and rights activists accuse King Mswati III, who rules the kingdom formerly known as Swaziland, of curtailing people's rights, including by banning political parties and restricting freedom of expression.

According to local media reports and social media, protests turned violent in major cities where shops and other businesses have either been looted or destroyed.

"Government would like to assure all emaSwati, residents of eSwatini, the international community and diplomatic partners that we are working around the clock to ensure that the situation is normalized," Masuku said.

The premier also said the government has been monitoring the protests and that the nation's concerns had reached authorities and that they would be addressed.

"We will be working with parliament and all concerned stakeholders to action them accordingly. We are a nation that believes in dialogue and it is with that in mind that we once again request all aggrieved emaSwati to use alternative channels to express their grievances," he said.

Local media outlets reported that King Mswati had fled eSwatini to South Africa, though Masuku denied these reports saying the ruler was still in the country and in charge.