[LISTEN] ‘Worst day ever’ as King Mswati reportedly flees Eswatini
King Mswati has reportedly fled Eswatini after pro-democracy protests by the country’s youth turned violent.
Mswati, who is Africa’s last absolute monarch, reportedly fled to Mozambique on Monday evening after his jet was seen flying from Matsapha airport.
Swaziland Solidarity Network (SSN) spokesperson Lucky Lukhele described Monday night as one of the worst days in the history of the country.
At least one of the protestors was killed.
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"The Swaziland brewery was burned down in the industrial hub which led to the King instructing the army to shoot to kill,” says Lukhele.
"From 5pm nothing enters from the main border gates with South Africa and Mozambique. The people have already taken over the major roads to an extent that nothing moves in or out."
Lukhele says the situation on the ground remains extremely volatile.
He adds that South Africa and Mozambique should intervene before the situation spirals out of control.
“While we stand by the people of Swaziland in this very difficult period. We wish to urge the international community once again to play a proactive role in minimizing casualties. The Swazi issue should now be the top priority of the SADC.
“King Mswati and his cohorts should be held accountable for the mess that the country finds itself in.”
