Eswatini: Casualties reported following violent clashes in Mbabane and Manzini Oct. 20; no reports of protests Oct. 21 /update 3

Event

Casualties occurred following clashes between police and protesters in Mbabane and Manzini Oct. 20. Unions have reported that one person died and 80 others were injured amid the violence; however, the casualty count may be higher. The majority of casualties occurred in Mbabane. Reports indicate that police used live ammunition and tear gas against students as they prepared to gather for a protest, as well as against participants on their way to a planned protest led by the Public Servants Associations (PSA). Internet outages were reported the afternoon of Oct. 20.

As of Oct. 21, no further protests have been reported. Schools remain closed to curb protests, and Prime Minister Cleopas Sipho Dlamini urged students to remain at home Oct. 21. The strike by transportation employees is still ongoing and the Swaziland Democratic Nurses Union (SWADNU) has called on nurses to maintain their strike.

Police will almost certainly remain deployed to monitor for possible protests. Widespread violence remains possible if protests do occur. Transport and business disruptions are likely in the vicinity of any protests. Roadblocks erected by police or protesters are possible.

Advice

Avoid demonstrations as a routine security precaution. Keep away from any areas where security forces appear to be deploying; leave the area at the first sign of any confrontation. Allow extra time to reach destinations until any protests have concluded. Heed to instructions of security force members. Do not attempt to drive around roadblocks.