Eswatini’s King Mswati III Allegedly Flees after Chaos Rocks the Kingdom
According to South Africa’s SABC News, King Mswati III of Eswatini has allegedly fled the kingdom after pro-democracy protests turned into chaos.
Gathogo Wanjiru 
On Monday evening, Eswatini’s leading chain store, OK Foods, situated in Matsapha, and other outlets, were set on fire as pro-democracy protests turned into chaos, bringing the first threat on a monarch who has ruled Swaziland with a free hand.
The country has experienced protests for several days in at least 10 different places, forcing the police to disperse protestors with tear gas and live ammunition, leading to injuries.
King Mswati reportedly flees #eSwatini following the raging civil unrest.
— New African Facts (@NewAfricanFacts) June 29, 2021
Since 1973, political parties have been banned in the country where King Mswati rules as the complete monarch who chooses the Prime Minister, ministers, judges and civil servants. #Swaziland pic.twitter.com/42Lj15QqNN
The Eswatini leader rules Swaziland as a supreme monarch and he is the one who chooses the prime minister, ministers, judges, and civil servants.
According to the protesters, they are calling for political reforms and want to elect their own Prime Minister. Political parties in Swaziland have been banned in the country since 1973.
The Swaziland Solidarity Network (SSN) on Monday said the King had fled in his private jet to an unknown destination. The allegations started after his jet was seen flying from Matsapha airport in the evening.
The polygamist with at least 15 wives and 23 children was appointed to be the next King Swaziland at the age of 14 and he was crowned King shortly after his 18th birthday in 1986. He has been in power since then.
