Where is King Mswati III?

As pro-democracy protests against King Mswati III and the government of eSwatini continue to rock Africa’s last absolute monarchy, the whereabouts of the king remain unclear.

CAPE TOWN, July 1 (ANA) – As pro-democracy protests against King Mswati III and the government of eSwatini continue to rock Africa’s last absolute monarchy, the whereabouts of the king remain unclear.

The government of eSwatini has denied that King Mswati has fled the country due to the protests.

Protests started peacefully in the Manzini region of eSwatini on June 20 when young people took to the streets in a push for the right to democratically choose a prime minister. Currently the prime minister is appointed by the king.

According to local media reports citing the Communist Party of Swaziland, the king is said to have fled on Monday evening to neighbouring South Africa’s affluent Sandton area, north of Johannesburg, as civil unrest grew. But the government of eSwatini issued a press release dismissing these reports.

Acting Prime Minister Themba Masuku stated that King Mswati was in eSwatini and continued to lead in working with the government to advance the kingdom’s goals.

Little has been seen of the monarch since the Covid-19 pandemic started in March 2020.

The African News Agency (ANA) reached out to South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Co-operation (Dirco) to enquire about the whereabouts of King Mswati.

“The Acting Prime Minister of eSwatini issued a statement on that matter. Only the government of eSwatini can speak on the movements and whereabouts of King Mswati with authority,” said the department’s Clayson Monyela.

Protesters are demanding that King Mswati, who has ruled the southern African country previously known as Swaziland for 35 years, hand over power and allow democracy to prevail.

A press briefing has been scheduled for Thursday at Ludzidzini Royal Residence.

– African News Agency (ANA); Editing by Yaron Blecher