US Embassy In Eswatini Warning: Keep House!
The situation in the Kingdom of Eswatini remains tense, but appears to be under state control, with insurgents believed to be operating in the country.
- Eswatini Airlink and its operating partner Airlink, the South Africa-based domestic and regional airline, today canceled flights between Johannesburg and Sikhupes King Mswati III International Airport in Eswatini due to unrest in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
- A government official told eTurboNews, “We believe there are insurgents in the country now.”
- According to eTN sources, there are no newspaper issues today due to the riots that broke out in the capital Mbabane yesterday. National radio stations keep broadcasting yesterday’s news and the internet was cut off last night.
The situation in Eswatini remains tense after a night of curfew.
The eTurboNews article on Eswatini between Taiwan and China summarized the background to this ongoing development. There could be an indication that this situation can be far more than just angry citizens demanding change.
According to Eswatini, demonstrators shut down the Times of Eswatini newspaper because they supported the king and the government. Eswatini Beverages, a subsidiary of SABMiller ABinBev, where King Mswati owns shares, was burned down by protesters.
“In the interests of the safety of our customers and employees and in consultation with our partner Airlink, we have decided to temporarily cease operations on the route between Johannesburg and Sikhuphe (Eswatini). We will continue to assess the situation and restore normal service as soon as it is safe, ”said Joseph Dlamini, General Manager of Eswatini Airlink.
Canceled flights (June 30, 2021) are:
- 4Z 080 Johannesburg – Take us with you
- 4Z 086 Johannesburg – Published
- 4Z 081 Release – Johannesburg
- 4Z 087 Release – Johannesburg
The country’s authorities ordered a strict curfew and shut down the internet last night. Communication with the outside world was limited. It seems to be going back now. A source told eTurboNews, “The reports you see here are not the full picture.”
According to unconfirmed reports from the independent South African news agency IOL, a bus crew became suspicious and opened a bucket of nyii fruits (wild fruits of the red ivory tree) and found explosives hidden underneath. The fruits were brought onto the bus by a 13 year old girl.
The US Embassy advises all US citizens to be aware of the unrest in the Kingdom. A situation develops in Eswatini where shops, cars and stores are burned down and looted. Protests and shops closed all morning in Mbabane. The U.S. Embassy urges all citizens across the country to stock up on food and water and then stay home. Embassy staff were instructed to stay at home. US citizens are urged to avoid main streets as protesters block avenues with burning material. The U.S. embassy will remain closed until Wednesday June 30th. U.S. citizens in need of emergency services should call the Consular Section.
The U.S. Embassy recommends U.S. residents in Eswatini take the following measures:
- If it is safe, stock up on food and water, then stay home.
- Monitor local media for updates.
- Avoid driving a car
