# Freedom in Africa ## # Eswatini protests: "We are fighting a liberation struggle" - Guardian article Jul 8th 2021: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/08/eswatini-protests-we-are-fighting-a-liberation-struggle - Eswatini was formerly called Swaziland **Dozens have died seeking reforms to African kingdom where many are dubious about authorities’ offer of talks** // Menzi Ndhlovu, an analyst with Signal Risks, a South Africa-based threat advisory firm, said there had been successive waves of protest in Eswatini, including widespread unrest in 2011 dubbed the “Swazi spring”. “It’s a fairly familiar process. The authorities first repress and contain, then offer some concessions. The aim is basically to preserve the status quo,” Ndhlovu said. However, this time a tipping point may have been reached. The offer of a national dialogue is an attempt by government and monarchy to calm and appease the masses. I don’t think there is any intent to carry out serious reform … We could well see a second wave of protests,” he told the Guardian. //