Eswatini ( known as Swaziland until 2018) has been seeing demonstrations against the monarchy since 2021. The country has been described as an absolute monarchy. These growing protests are the most recent challenge to the rule of King Mswati III. Political parties are banned and the nation struggles with poverty. These protests are sporadic and do not have a single leader. Teachers have been very active in the demonstrations with the desire for higher pay. The public seems to be leaning toward more democratic reforms, rather than a total revolution in the political system. The economic decline Eswatini has faced has caused more discord among the public. Previous protests were organized by student movements and trade unions. The difference in the current demonstrations is various cross sections of the population are getting involved. Disagreements among the protesters are present. Some want the monarchy abolished and others desire a constitutional limit on the king's powers. A portion of citizens do not want to see change in the system at all. Msawti III has been king since 1986 and it is unlikely he would abdicate the throne. Reforms could be possible under enormous political pressure, but a change in government would take years to form.
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