Eswatini: Pro-reform protests likely to persist nationwide through at least mid-November /update 2

Event

Pro-democracy protests and related heightened security measures are likely to persist nationwide through mid-November. Protests have been led by various groups in recent months, including students. Secondary and university students have been boycotting classes since Sept. 19 to demand the release of two lawmakers detained during pro-democracy protests earlier in the year. Students are also calling for better learning conditions and free education. Unions have also called for strikes in response to the unrest and are likely to continue to do so. The Swaziland Democratic Nurses Union (SWADNU) has called on nurses to maintain their strike, notably after many nurses were shot at during protests. Transportation employees have suspended their strike and returned to work.

Security forces will almost certainly continue to deploy to and disperse demonstrations. Officials are also maintaining an indefinite 21:00-04:00 curfew. Officials may also disrupt telecommunications in response to the unrest. Protests and related security force deployments will likely result in localized ground travel disruptions, including on major road routes into urban centers. Further clashes are likely. Casualties were reported following protests in Mbabane and Manzini on Oct. 20, and again in Mbabane on Oct. 23-24. Unions have reported that two people have died and over 80 others were injured amid the violence; however, the casualty count may be higher. Strike-related action may cause sector-specific disruptions at times. Health care disruptions in response to the nurses' strike are possible at public sector hospitals.

Context

The current round of protests is linked to widespread pro-democracy demonstrations in June. Demonstrators are calling for political reforms. Clashes between protesters and the police and acts of public violence have been regularly reported. In the absence of any major reforms, protests are likely to persist in the coming months.

Advice

Avoid public 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. Plan for localized transport disruptions; check road conditions before beginning intercity travel. Allow additional time to reach destinations. If violence occurs nearby, immediately depart the area and seek shelter in a nongovernmental building. Heed all official security and transport advisories. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Reconfirm appointments, including at hospitals. Reconfirm the status of public transportation services before departure.