23 Jul 2021 | 09:51 AM UTC
eSwatini: Heightened security likely to remain in place through late July; decrease in protests reported in recent days /update 6
Officials are likely to maintain military and police deployment nationwide in eSwatini through late July in response to civil unrest.
Event
Officials will almost certainly maintain a heightened security presence nationwide through at least the end of July in response to recent acts of civil unrest. Pro-democracy protests and clashes with the security forces in late June through early July left approximately 50 people dead and hundreds more injured. The military and police deployment has served to suppress protests with only sporadic unrest reported in recent weeks. A nightly 18:00-05:00 curfew reportedly remains in effect.
A suspension of telecommunication and internet connectivity in late June has since been reversed. Operations at King Mswati III International Airport (SHO) are ongoing. Eswatini Airlink (4Z) flights between SHO and OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) are operational. Land border crossings with South Africa are open.
Officials may implement further restrictive measures, including road closures, random searches, restrictions on telecommunications, border controls, and tighter curfews, in response to its security assessments or incidents of unrest. Looting, vandalism, and other acts of violence and transport and business disruptions are likely during any further demonstrations that may take place. Insecurity may result in shortages of some goods. Panic buying may also lead to shortages in essential goods.
Context
The civil unrest in eSwatini in late June and early July signaled the most significant challenge to the King Mswati III regime in recent years. The deployment of the military and the suppression of protests has led to a decrease in reported protests. In an apparent response to the unrest, the king replaced the prime minister in mid-June; protesters have repeatedly demanded that the electorate be allowed to elect the prime minister. Given the lack of political reform, protests by opposition supporters may well persist in the coming weeks.
Advice
Liaise with trusted contacts for updates on the security situation. Avoid any demonstrations due to the potential for violence. Do not travel through protester roadblocks. Avoid concentrations of security force personnel.
