The Swaziland Youth Congress (Swayoco) plans to intensify protest action against the Kingdom of Eswatini this week.

A few weeks ago, learners in different schools embarked on violent protests in support of the pro-democracy groups demanding electoral reforms.

During their protests several properties especially in schools were torched and some people assaulted.

Earlier, King Mswati III ordered the immediate and indefinite closure of schools in Eswatini.

Swayoco’s Deputy President, Mbongeni Simelane says the closure of schools will give pupils enough time to take part on the planned protests.

“We are planning for a mass protest action between Wednesday and Friday where all the school going children and all sectors of the society will march across the country. Our call is the release of all the political prisoners including the arrested PMs.”

“Including those children held by King Mswati and iNdlovukazi for ritual purposes as some children were taken at Lomahasha last week. They disappeared after they were taken by the police,” explains Simelane.

Anger against King Mswati III has been building for years.

Campaigners say the 53-year-old King has consistently ignored calls for reforms that would nudge Eswatini, which changed its name from Swaziland in 2018, in the direction of democracy.

The King denies accusations of autocratic rule and of using public money to fund a lavish lifestyle in the impoverished nation that borders South Africa.

Pro-democracy protests flare up in Eswatini: Lucky Lukhele