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Southern Africa: Southern African Bloc to Investigate Police Handling of Protests in eSwatini
RFI, 4 July 2021
A team from the Southern African Development Community will arrive in eSwatini on Sunday, after the kingdom was rocked by pro-democracy protests and claims of a deadly crackdown. Read more »
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Eswatini: Internet Shutdown in Eswatini Challenged in the High Court
SALC, 5 July 2021
On Friday, 2 July 2021, the Southern Africa Litigation Centre supported the filing of an urgent application in the High Court of Eswatini before Honourable Justice Qinisile M.… Read more »
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Eswatini: 'New Frame' Journalists Detained, Assaulted and Tortured by Security Forces in eSwatini
New Frame, 5 July 2021
On Sunday 4 July 2021, two New Frame journalists, Magnificent Mndebele and Cebelihle Mbuyisa, who were on assignment in eSwatini were detained, assaulted and tortured by security… Read more »
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Eswatini: Commonwealth Urges 'Constructive' Dialogue Over Crisis
Commonwealth, 4 July 2021
Speaking on the ongoing situation in Eswatini, a Commonwealth spokesperson said: Read more »
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Eswatini: eSwatini Defends Police Crackdown On Protesters, Denies Deaths
East African, 2 July 2021
The eSwatini government on Friday defended a crackdown on pro-democracy protesters even as acting Prime Minister Themba Masuku denied reports of deaths from the brutal force. Read more »
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Southern Africa: Turning a Blind Eye to Eswatini
ISS, 2 July 2021
The insurgency in northern Mozambique should have taught Southern Africa the obvious lesson that it's safer, cheaper and more effective to resolve conflicts before they explode.… Read more »
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Eswatini: Authorities Have Launched 'Full-Frontal Assault' On Human Rights
AI London, 2 July 2021
Dozens killed, more than 150 hospitalised, and hundreds detained Last absolute monarchy on the African continent has repressive track record 'We are urging the authorities in… Read more »
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Eswatini: Respect Rights While Policing Protests
HRW, 1 July 2021
Security Forces Should Safeguard Citizens Against Violence Read more »
Southern African Bloc to Probe eSwatini Protest Violence
A team from the Southern African Development Community will arrive in eSwatini, after the kingdom was rocked by pro-democracy protests and claims of a deadly crackdown, writes Michael Fitzpatrick for Radio France Internationale.
The kingdom's government said it had invited the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to carry out "a fact-finding mission". The 16-country bloc added that its team would encourage the kingdom to find a lasting solution to the dispute. The eSwatini government has said it has not received any official reports of fatalities. Internet service providers said they have been ordered to cut access to social media and online platforms until further notice.
Demonstrations against the authoritarian monarchy escalated following the shooting of a student in mid-May. Swazi Media Commentary reported that marches took place in at least 10 locations, mainly in rural areas despite a ban placed by the king on pro-democracy demonstrations. Reports indicated that as many as 19 people had reportedly been shot dead, allegedly by the military. The Communist Party of Swaziland said that five people were certified dead at the Mbabane Government Hospital. It added that more than 50 people were admitted to the hospital with gunshot wounds.
InFocus
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As weeks-long protests spread throughout eSwatini, acting Prime Minister Themba Masuku announced a dusk to dawn curfew across the kingdom. Although a number of media houses, led by ... Read more »
