The Eswatini Government has instituted a strict Covid-19 curfew, following days of unrest, culminating in violent protests.
Citing the prevalence of the Delta variant in South Africa and fearing the high mobility between the two countries, acting Prime Minister Themba Masuku says the country will introduce a curfew with immediate effect.
The curfew will be in effect between 18:00 and 05:00. All offices and business must close by 15:30 and essential workers must carry a permit at all times. Schools are also closed with immediate effect.
The curfew coincides with overnight protests in eSwatini, which saw supermarkets looted and property burned.
eSwatini has seen increasing protests in recent months to demand multiparty democracy, economic reform and police accountability.
The protests gained momentum when the government decree banned citizens from demonstrating and delivering petitions to government officials.