Transport workers join mounting Eswatini protests

By Pumza Fihlani

Transport workers have now joined the protests in parts of Eswatini, Africa’s last absolute monarchy formerly known as Swaziland.

Students have been protesting for at least two weeks, calling for free education and the release of two lawmakers who were jailed during pro-democracy demonstrations earlier this year.

The unrest has led to the deployment of the army.

The transport workers are calling for an end to police brutality after a bus driver was reportedly shot dead and another injured during what was initially a wage-protest in the small town of Malkern on Wednesday.

They are refusing to work.

Some roads leading to the capital, Mbabane, have been closed and there is a heavy police presence, sources on the ground say.

Protesters are talking about unemployment and poverty but the months of sporadic unrest all seem to lead back to the calls for democratic reforms in the kingdom.

King Mswati III is accused of running a dictatorship and using security forces to intimidate detractors.

He’s previously said the protests were illegitimate - a plot to sow divisions among his people.

This article originally appeared on BBC News

Photo: BBC News