SUMMARY

In late June 2021, pro-democracy protests erupted in several towns. A harsh government crackdown on protesters resulted in at least 45 fatalities over two days, making the Government of eSwatini (Swaziland) active in one-sided violence. Smaller protests continued during 2022 and 2023.

The Government of eSwatini (Swaziland) first became active as a one-sided actor in UCDP data in 2021, when the one-sided violence resulted in at least 25 civilian deaths. The threshold was reached on 29 June that year when large-scale protests against the absolute monarchy took place, resulting in the death of at least 26 civilians.