The African Union Commission has condemned the deadly violence, looting and destruction of property in Eswatini following pro-democracy protests.

The commission chairman, Moussa Faki Mahamat, said in a statement that he was closely following the situation and was “deeply concerned at the ongoing political and security situation”.

“The Chairperson calls for immediate steps to protect lives of citizens and their property, and urges the Eswatini leadership and all stakeholders to refrain from further acts of violence that could exacerbate the situation,” the statement added.

He called for a constructive dialogue among parties involved to resolve the issues while pledging AU's support to the government and the people in Eswatini.

https://twitter.com/_AfricanUnion/status/1410672044707024904?s=20

Demonstrations started over the weekend with people calling for King Mswati to step down and allow for a transition to democracy

Eswatini - formerly called Swaziland - is Africa's last absolute monarchy.