King Mswati III has been ruling over the nation since 1986, four years after the death of his father king Sobhuza. 70% of the population languishes in poverty while the king spends billions of dollars every year on personal luxuries

The alleged role of the police in the death of Thabani Nkomonye has led to huge protests. Security forces attacked his memorial service and arrested student protesters, including Bafanabakhe Sacolo, secretary general of the Swaziland National Union of Students