SWAZILAND: SADC to probe alleged deadly crackdown during pro-democracy protests

By: Ollus Ndomu

The Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) has disclosed plans to investigate claims of a deadly crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Swaziland also known as eSwatini. The monarchy country was last week rocked with pro-democracy protests which turned out violent after the crown ordered military action against protesters.

King Mswati made screening headlines after fleeing the Kingdom amidst last week’s wave of demonstrations by citizens who want the monarchy to consider political reforms which among other things include people voting for their preferred Prime Minister.

SADC’s fact-finding mission comes at the height of allegations that eSwatini government killed dozens of protesters, claims the authoritarian monarchy has refuted.

King Mswati’s government ordered the internet shutdown on Friday, a move civil societies, rights groups including the opposition, have condemned and challenged in court.

Regional leaders have urged the King to find a lasting solution to demonstrations against his rule.

Protests which started escalating in mid-May following the shooting of a student have caused a security instability within the palace.

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Ollus Ndhomu

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