Hey team,
You may or may not have seen some things in the news about what’s going on in eSwatini. The people want to have things shift to more of a democracy, but there has been some violence involved.
This was an update sent by one of our field staff on June 30th:
If you could join me in prayer for the nation of Eswatini. The people are tired of living under the King’s regime. People are hungry, jobless, and ready for democracy. Due to their desires for democratic reform they are currently protesting. It started peacefully, however, police started shooting protestors going against the King, calling it anarchy.
The people need to be heard and their concerns taken seriously in order for there to be true peace within this country. ALL citizens should feel protected by their country/government.
The King has supposedly ordered Marshall law and anyone out of their homes will be shot by military personnel without warning. There has been massive destruction, vandalism, violence and looting throughout the country. It is so heartbreaking.
They have also cut the mobile networks and provided selected wifi service (no access to whatsapp, facebook, instagram etc) in order for protesters not to be able to communicate. I’m only able to post right now, because I have a wifi service through SA and I’m using a VPN app for the time being.
We are currently safe and should have enough food to last the week if not 2 weeks. Stores are completely closed. There have been rumors that the government may shut off the water and or electricity if things continue to get worse. Praying against that. I love this sweet country and this is an unfortunate situation right now. Please pray for our family, extended family, all emaSwati, and the government to come to terms of peace.
This was an update we received as staff yesterday:
Violence escalated yesterday resulting in more burning down buildings and 40+ people killed by the military and over 200 more shot and needing treatment. Many local people are still missing.
Thankfully, all of our long-term staff have been determined to be safe, but the situation is still quite dire. One of our field staff went to the grocery store and only found bananas.
Please join us in praying for the country of eSwatini!
