Arrest of Eswatini Lawmakers Condemned by International Community

JOHANNESBURG - Rights groups have condemned Eswatini's arrest of two lawmakers this week and the use of force against pro-democracy protesters.  The southern African kingdom, Africa's last absolute monarchy, has been rocked by protests since June. 

Protests re-ignited Thursday in Eswatini, previously known as Swaziland, as two pro-democracy members of parliament appeared in court. Mthandeni Dube and Mduduzi Mabuza were arrested earlier this week on charges of terrorism for inciting unrest and violating COVID-19 regulations. The unrest began over a month ago with protests calling for political reform.