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'No Justice' for Pro-Democracy eSwatini Protesters Slain in 2021

eSwatini authorities have failed to ensure accountability for the crackdown on pro-democracy protesters by security forces that began two years ago, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has said. The crackdown led to the deaths of at least 46 people, as well as other serious human rights abuses.

Since pro-democracy demonstrations began in May 2021, the government of Eswatini has intensified its clampdown on dissenting views by arresting government critics on bogus charges, interfering with peaceful assembly, and resisting calls for democratic reforms, HRW added.

Pro-democracy protests erupted in June 2021 following the mysterious death of 25-year-old law student Thabani Nkomonye who allegedly died at the hands of the police. Over 1,000 people were arrested and the security forces were called in to stamp out dissent.

The human rights landscape in Africa's last remaining absolute monarchy remains characterised by serious human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and repression of pro-democracy activists.

InFocus

Garry Knight/Flickr

Swaziland Protest. eSwatini protest (file photo).

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