Eswatini: Nationwide public sector strike September 23-25

Event

Teachers, government accountants, and public transport workers across Eswatini launched a three-day strike on Monday, September 23, to demand an increased cost of living adjustment. Multiple unions representing public sector workers have organized the strike, which is expected to culminate in a mass rally in the capital, Mbabane, on Wednesday, September 25. Associated demonstrations are likely in urban areas across the country during the strike. Authorities have confirmed that there will be a heightened security presence around all protest sites and that demonstrators will not be allowed to use public buses. Localized traffic disruptions are also expected around all associated rallies. Disruptions to business and government operations are possible during the strike.

Context

Public sector unions organized a nationwide strike in January 2019 to call for the government to open negotiations for salary cost-of-living adjustments. Union leaders are demanding an increase to compensate for a stagnant average wage over the past three years.

Advice

Individuals in Eswatini, particularly in Mbabane, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate a heightened security presence and transportation disruptions near protest sites, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.