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October 13, 2021

Military and Police Crack Down on Student Protests in Eswatini
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In Eswatini, soldiers and police have been deployed in schools across
the southern African nation to repress ongoing student-led,
anti-government protests. Students have been boycotting classes and
engaging in other actions demanding political reforms, better learning
conditions and free education. Students are also calling for the release
of two lawmakers who were arrested during pro-democracy mobilizations
earlier this year. It was reported that at least 17 students were
recently arrested, including a 7-year-old. Protests erupted months ago
against King Mswati III as Eswatini - formerly known as Swaziland and
Africa's last absolute monarchy - is facing an economic crisis with
shortages of food and other resources.


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