JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – Regional powerhouse South Africa on Thursday urged eSwatini’s security forces to exercise “total restraint” and Britain expressed concern following a deadly crackdown on pro-democracy protests.

An opposition party said as many as 40 people have been killed by security forces.

Dissent has long been stifled in Africa’s last absolute monarchy, a small landlocked state previously known as Swaziland.

But demonstrations escalated radically this week as protesters defied a dusk-to-dawn curfew to take to the streets, looting and torching buildings linked to King Mswati III — and demanding immediate political reform.

The government in the southern African kingdom of 1.3 million people has since deployed the military to quell the protests, which it blames on “terrorists”.

Unverified videos that have emerged on social media showed police and soldiers using force to disperse protesters and pulling people from homes and beating them up.

Sounds of gunshots rang across a neighbourhood in the capital Mbabane where a group of young men reportedly tried to loot a liquor store on Thursday, according to an AFP correspondent.

Foreign governments, including South Africa, Britain and the United States, as well as global rights watchdogs have expressed concern over the violence.

“The South African government notes with great concern the ongoing political and security situation in the Kingdom of eSwatini. We are particularly concerned by reports of loss of life and destruction of properties. The right to peaceful protest is universally recognised,” foreign ministry spokesman Clayson Monyela said.

“The South African government calls on the security forces to exercise total restraint and protect the lives and property of the people. In addition, South Africa urges all political actors and civil society to engage in meaningful dialogue in order to resolve the current political challenges facing the country.”

Britain’s Minister for Africa James Duddridge tweeted that “the escalation in violence, including looting, is deeply concerning”.

“We call on all parties to engage constructively and restore calm,” he said.

Speaking on state radio on Thursday, acting Prime Minister Themba Masuku called for unity.

“I urge amaSwati not to be deceived by foreign elements,” Masuku said, referring to the people of eSwatini.

“These acts are not done by amaSwati, but by terrorists and thugs,” he added.

Activists earlier this week said eight people had been killed in clashes with police, but on Thursday an opposition party said the number was closer to 40, citing information collated from morgues – AP

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