Eswatini govt denies reports that King Mswati fled country amid pro-democracy protests
The Office of the Acting Prime Minister in Eswatini has dismissed reports that King Mswati III has fled the country.
Acting Prime Minister Themba Masuku said on Tuesday that the King is still in the country and working with the government to advance the Kingdom's goals.
"Government will update the Nation on interventions on the current situation as the day progresses. In the meantime, we appeal for calm, restraint and peace from all emaSwati."
The statement came after reports on Monday that the King fled the country on Monday after pro-democracy protests by the country's youth turned violent.
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The opposition People's United Democratic Movement (PODEMO) says Eswatini is running on autopilot.
"It is utter chaos in Swaziland this morning. People running helter-skelter police and the army are occupying the streets. Teargas canisters bullets all over.
"People are looting all over, businesses are closing down. Mbabane City is shut down, cars are running out of town using alternative roads. It's just chaos. This country is now on autopilot to be honest.
"This is a runaway train and it may be a new day altogether. The People's United Democratic Movement was supposed to hold a press briefing in the City, but the City is now shut down and we still do not know if it's still going to happen.
"The King's whereabouts are unknown. Nobody knows where the King is. Nobody knows where the Prime Minister is. It looks like the citizens are taking over the country."
