Eswatini: Protest planned in Mbabane Oct. 20 /update 1

Event

The Public Servants Associations (PSA) plans to protest in Mbabane Oct. 20. Participants will gather from 09:00 at Coronation Park and march to the Ministry of Public Service by 10:00. Protesters will march along Gwamile Street, Msakato Street, Zwide Street, Mahlokohla Street, Makhosikhosi Road, Sozisa Road, and Umlilo Road. Demonstrators intend to deliver a petition to the ministry, though its contents remain unclear. Authorities have prohibited the march, though participants may still attend.

An increased security presence is likely around the protest march over the coming hours. Clashes between demonstrators and security forces remain possible. Transport disruptions are also likely in the vicinity of all protests.

Advice

Avoid demonstration venues 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.