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Barricades burn after the protests in Mbabane
Photo: - / AFP
In Africa's last absolute monarchy, the small South African state Eswatini, there has been a state of emergency for months.
Now one person was killed in the crackdown on pro-democracy protests on Wednesday and at least 80 other people were injured.
This was announced by the Napsawu officials' union.
50 members of the union were taken to a hospital in the capital Mbabane after being fired with tear gas and rubber bullets.
After protests in Manzini, the largest city in the country, at least 30 people had to be treated in the hospital, according to a care union.
In addition, nurses were shot at on their way to their night shifts late in the evening, the union said on Thursday.
The security forces also used live ammunition against the demonstrators in Manzini.
Since June, at least 29 people have been killed in rioting in Eswatini, formerly called Swaziland, according to government reports.
Amnesty International even speaks of at least 80 civilians killed.
The reasons for the protests are the same as in many other countries on the continent: There are neither jobs nor prospects for young people in particular.
Almost half of 15 to 24 year olds are unemployed, one of the highest rates in the world.
Many people do not know how to get their next meal on the table, they have to go to South Africa to find work.
Widespread poverty in the country
The protests are directed against the head of state.
King Mswati III
is the last absolutist ruler of the continent.
He is known for displaying his wealth and giving lavish gifts to his 15 wives.
Mswati's decadent lifestyle is in stark contrast to the widespread poverty of the country's 1.2 million people.
Political parties have been banned in Eswatini since 1973.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) sought dialogue with the King.
The community of 16 states regularly mediates in regional conflicts.
The United Nations and humanitarian agencies expressed concern about the brutal crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrations.
lau / AFP / dpa
