Dozens of people were killed in repression in the last absolute monarchy in Africa

In Eswatini, the last absolute monarchy in Africa, the government has protested against pro-democracy protests after dozens of soldiers went directly against the protesters, according to activists with banned opposition parties.

King Mswati III has expanded his army in recent days as the 1.5-meter-long kingdom has been the largest and most violent demonstration in years.

Wandile Dludlu, the general secretary of the People’s Democratic Movement, estimated that about 40 people were killed and more than 400 were injured by gunfire, rubber bullets and beatings.

It was not yet possible to make an official count, but “all the hospitals are full, the wards are being thrown up too much,” the soldiers used “not only live shifts but military bullets” against the protesters, Dludlu said.

A South African neighbor on Thursday called for a “complete reduction” in security forces and said he was concerned about the alleged loss of life and destruction of property.

There has long been disagreement over Eswatinin Mswati’s rule, as he has ruled since 1986 that he has absolute control over parliament under an electoral system that bans political parties.

Protests erupted last month after the death of Thabani Nkomonye, ​​a 25-year-old law student and alleged police cover-up, in mysterious circumstances.

Dludlu said the government should allow the “opening of the political playing field” by banning parties and replacing the 2015 constitution, which is “as good as a love letter to the king,” Dludlu said.

When unrest erupted last week, the government banned citizens from petitioning local parliamentarians to close one of the few outlets in the autocratic system for dissent. Acting Prime Minister Themba Masuku has told people to send their complaints by email.

The government said in a statement on Thursday that it had not yet received any official news of the deaths. He warned that “looting, arson, violence and all other forms of crime will continue to be unacceptable.”

Exceptions have been reported in Mbabane, the capital of Eswatini, for shoplifting and shoplifting, as well as indications that local Internet access is being reduced.

Thokozani Kenneth Kunene Eswatini, the general secretary of the communist party, also estimated the death toll at around 40. The government “doesn’t care how many are dead,” he added.

Masuku denied that the fight law was enacted, but said the government should “call on the military to protect critical national infrastructure” and enforce rules to limit coronavirus infections.

This week the government has set a national cover from 6pm onwards, apparently within pandemic restrictions.

Along with the playground, “there was a large number of soldiers and police in the joint operation in the streets. . . by all definitions, that’s the law of struggle, ”Dludlu said.

“It is now clear that it is brutality and violence that have sustained the system,” Kunen added.

Although his government has denied reports that the king has fled, Mswati has not been seen in public for days. “He doesn’t want to appear involved in violence,” Kunen said. “But shooters are his language, his words.”