People queue to buy food after deadly protests in Eswatini capital

The street of the Eswatinian capital city, Mbabane was quiet Thursday, July 1, as people had to queue for groceries in the few shops that were opened, amateur footage from AFP shows.

The Southern African nation has in recent days been rocked by protests, which had been relatively low for weeks.

Protesters are demanding democratic reforms in Africa’s last absolute monarchy under King Mswati III.

The demonstrations escalated in this usually stable landlocked kingdom previously known as Swaziland.

Neighbouring powerhouse South Africa urged security forces in Eswatini to ensure "total restraint", and preserve lives, following reports of the deadly pro-democratic protests.

In a statement, the Foreign ministry spokesman Clayson Monyela said "We are particularly concerned by reports of loss of life and destruction of properties."

Unverified videos that have emerged on social media showed police using force to disperse protesters. Other videos showed security men in uniforms physically abusing residents in their houses.

Activists say eight people were killed and dozens injured in clashes with police. Authorities have declined to give details.

Internet access has been limited while shops and banks are shuttered, straining communication and limiting access to basic goods under a dawn-to-dusk curfew.

Eswatini relies heavily on neighbouring South Africa for most of the kingdom's goods.

The United States has also urged authorities in Eswatini to exercise restraint and allow peaceful protests.

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