The military chief of the landlocked Southern African country of Eswatini stepped down on Monday following revelations on the shooting of protesters by the nation’s army.
Commander of the Umbutfo Defense Force, Gen. Jeffrey Shabalala told a press conference at army headquarters that “considering what has befallen me, as commander of the defense force, it was going to be very difficult for me to continue to discharge my duties as army commander,”
He disclosed further that “Out of my personal conviction, I sought an audience with the king to discuss my resignation, and the king accepted my decision,”
Last week audio was leaked of Shabalala reportedly saying that it was King Mswati III who ordered the army to shoot to kill protesting citizens during June civil unrest.
Not less than 70 youths were killed by the army and police in the protests for democratic reforms which also led to burned shops and looting nationwide.
