Thread by @ewnreporter

#Eswatini Eswatini Government is calling for calm and peace amid escalating pro-democracy protests leading to violence on the streets.

#Eswatini The government is also denying that King Mswati III has fled the country - insisting he is still in Eswatini doing his work.

#Eswatini In a short statement released moments ago, the acting prime minister Themba Masuku says King Mswati continues to lead his people.

#eSwatini The current situation in Mbabane. We are being told all public transport ordered to leave the bus rank.

#eSwatini People are now looting shops, grabbing anything they can find. All shops are closed due to the unrest in the country, many are fearing for their safety.

#eSwatini Acting PM: Government would like to assure all emaSwati, residents of Eswatini, the international community and diplomatic partners that we are working around the clock to ensure that the situation is normalised.

#eSwatini Acting PM: The Kingdom of Eswatini has and continues to be grounded in peace and stability. This is based on knowledge accumulated over centuries that nothing can be achieved in an environment of anarchy, no matter what the grievance.

#eSwatini Acting PM: This country has remained united despite our differences of opinion, stayed grounded when life-changing challenges confronted us and we have paddled with precision and tact even when we doubted our capabilities.

#eSwatini Acting PM: It should be clear that Government respects the freedom of expression and the banning of delivery of petitions to Tinkhundla is by no means stifling emaSwati from raising grievances.

#eSwatini Acting PM: This is a conscious decision to maintain the rule of law and de-escalate tension that had turned this exercise into violence and disorder.

#eSwatini Government has been following these protests and we want to assure the Nation that these concerns have reached our ears and we are addressing them. We will be working with Parliament and all concerned stakeholders to action them accordingly.

#eSwatini Acting PM: We are a Nation that believes in dialogue and it is with that in mind that we once again request all aggrieved emaSwati to use alternative channels to express their grievances. Government has opened an email address. The email address is [e-mail]

#eSwatini Acting PM: This has been done in the interest of protecting emaSwati from the dangers of COVID-19, which is already showing a steep upward trajectory.

#eSwatini Acting PM: Our neighbours South Africa have already adjusted to Level 4 of their response owing to an onslaught of this virus.

#eSwatini Acting PM: Eswatini has already sent samples for analysis to determine if we do have this Delta variant in our country. With our proximity to the Gauteng Province and high mobility between Eswatini and South Africa, the probability is quite high.

#eSwatini Acting PM: Despite the threat of the virus, government remains committed to working on the petitions we have received and accommodating any new grievances and concerns raised by emaSwati through electronic means to ensure the safety of all.

#eSwatini Acting PM: Government has taken the decision to introduce a curfew between 6pm and 5am with immediate effect.

#eSwatini Acting PM: Government has also taken the decision to suspend schools with immediate effect. This has been done to protect the lives of children.

#eSwatini Acting PM: Unfortunately, the protests we are seeing of late have been hijacked by criminal elements. Such cannot be acceptable under any circumstances. No one can hide behind a glass wall of grievances to administer harm to others and cause unrest and anarchy.

#eSwatini Acting PM: The law will be upheld against all those who perpetuate anarchy and threaten the lives and livelihoods of emaSwati.

#eSwatini Acting PM: Our security forces are on the ground to maintain law and order. We request the Nation to cooperate with security forces as they are deployed to protect the lives of all emaSwati and residents of this beautiful Kingdom, including private and public property.

#eSwatini Acting PM: I am appealing to the conscience of all emaSwati and those who love this country to ensure calm and peace is maintained at all times as we together seek ways to resolve the challenges we are facing.