In action and in speech, the ruler of eSwatini and his government refuse to listen to the mass democratic movement’s demands for a genuine dialogue.
The highlights of 2021 in Africa
Urgent interdict ‘not so urgent’ in Eswatini prince’s bid to gag investigative journalist and editor following reports of alleged royal plot to procure guns in South Africa for further clamp down on protesters
More than 100 young protesters were killed by the police, sparking outrage against the king
It is both misleading and patronising to suggest that democracy has somehow been imposed by the international community against the wishes of ordinary people. Instead, it has been demanded and fought for from below
A report details how medical and legal shortages and discrimination curtails survivors’ rights
The Sexual Offence and Domestic Violence Act was passed but much more needs to be done
The department of international relations and cooperation says the travel ban on Southern African countries seems to be rushed
Agreeing on the objectives of a national dialogue may seem like a straightforward exercise but, if the foundation is not correctly laid, fissures may appear to the detriment of the process
Civil society has called for an investigation into King Mswati’s alleged crimes against humanity
Africa’s last monarch has shut schools to stop student protests against his rule — but he should heed previous events that toppled other despots
Journalists are censored through cruel and illegitimate detention, torture and the removal of means to disseminate information to citizens crying – and dying – for it
Soldiers assaulted students of William Pitcher College in Manzini city who were protesting not being refunded fees paid for hostel facilities that were not used during lockdown
Internet blackouts not only infringe on people’s human rights, but also cost companies and the economy billions, as evinced by MTN’s shutdown in Eswatini
A police officer has fled the country after making allegations of human rights abuses
Unless meaningful change occurs soon, more blood will be spilt on Swazi streets
King Mswati summons the nation to dialogue but avoids democratic engagement as death toll rises
For weeks protests in eSwatini have raged, and dozens of people have been killed. But what is life like for those demanding democracy in the monarchy?
Eswatini’s acting prime minister recently encouraged citizens to make use of an email address to express their concerns
Pro-democracy citizens have called for an end Mswati’s absolute rule while the government denies using excessive force against protesters
Africa’s last absolute monarchy is experiencing its worst unrest in years
Defying the ban on demonstrations amid a wave of protests against King Mswati’s rule, residents have held demonstrations – and security forces have responded with violence
Families will never forget how iphika took their fathers, brothers, husbands and breadwinners after they spent the best years of their lives digging up gold in the mines
The South African Revenue Services didn’t gazette the EU quota rates for about month, with no reasons given – and then suddenly published them
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a negative effect on journalists’ health, working conditions and freedom to report. Now more than ever, media freedom needs to be upheld
After missing the global HIV/Aids targets, new benchmarks that put people at the centre, especially those most at risk, need to be set
Self-censorship is rife as journalists are fined for stories that criticise royals or big business
Too many laws and customs in too many African countries still treat women as minors
Threats of funding cuts has caused a reduction in reproductive and sexual health services
Activists in the Kingdom of eSwatini are routinely arrested on vague and flimsy charges
The state of King Mswati’s health is just one of many contentious issues that cannot be reported on in eSwatini
Dr Matshidiso Moeti’s father helped to eliminate smallpox. Now she’s leading Africa’s efforts against the coronavirus