Eswatini teachers’ association confirms deployment of army at schools

The Eswatini National Association of Teachers (SNAT) has confirmed that police and soldiers have been deployed in schools in the country to monitor the situation.

This after learners from different schools joined the pro-democracy protests.

It is alleged that more than 82 schools are closed countrywide due to the ongoing protests. Learners have reportedly vandalised some schools.

The pupils are refusing to write exams saying, they have lost study time due to the unrest.

They are also calling for the release of some activists who were arrested during the unrest.

SNAT’s Mbongwa Dlamini says, “Students are rioting demanding the released of the three MPs. What we have observed, the situation started to escalate this week on Monday. The reason behind it is that the minister decided to open schools for all students. The riots were there last week but was not this much because students were in smaller groups. We have a number of schools that are protected by soldiers and police.”

Deployment of army to Eswatini schools following protests: Siphetfo Dlamini

Amnesty International calling for investigation into Eswatini protestor shooting

Early this month, Amnesty International called on Eswatini authorities to investigate the police shooting of a protester and the alleged excessive use of force in the tiny country.

According to the rights group, thousands of peaceful protesters outside parliament were violently dispersed with security agents using live ammunition.

The aim of the demonstration was to deliver a petition to the US embassy, urging the United States to intervene following the arrest and detention of two members of parliament.

“So, as Amnesty International we are saying that Eswatini authorities must launch a prompt, impartial investigation into the shooting that we saw on Friday, leading into one person landing into hospital after they were shot in the head by the security forces. We believe, as Amnesty International, that people should not be shot at for basically demanding basic freedoms in the country.  It’s upon the government of Eswatini to opt to sit down with these pro-democracy activists and have a genuine debate about the future of Eswatini because that’s the only sustainable way to be able to make sure that we have a country that aspires to what all people want to see,” says Amnesty International spokesperson Robert Shivambu.

The country has experienced a lot of civil and political unrest this year.