Thank you to over 500 readers and supporters who made our continued operation possible this year. Raising funds for a small outlet that is already open and free for all to read has often been the most challenging part of running this blog. We are grateful for your continued support and well wishes. Thanks — DS
The US Embassy in Mbabane, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) issued a Security Alert, the sixth alert since late June following the continuing civil unrest in the country. The Embassy has also confirmed that shots were fired at a U.S. Embassy vehicle on July 1st and that U.S. Marines have augmented its internal security. @USMC has released a statement that a team of 13 Marines deployed on short notice to the embassy to support on-ground embassy security personnel along with the Diplomatic Security Service Mobile Security Deployments team.
Event: The Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini announced a nationwide curfew from 1800 – 0500 hours. Communication disruptions, including internet and cell phone service, are occurring. Security forces are actively patrolling the streets during curfew hours.
The international airport, KMIII, is now operational. U.S. citizens wishing to depart Eswatini should take advantage of commercial options available.
The U.S. Embassy has limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Eswatini.
Citizens are urged to respect the government curfew and exercise caution.
US citizens who require assistance should contact +268 2417 9000 and then PRESS TWO.
The South African land borders are currently open and antigen tests are available at the border at a cost of 300 Rand, payable in Rand only. For citizens flying out of OR Tambo, PCR testing labs are available. Citizens are required to have a negative PCR test in order to travel to the United States.
The U.S. Embassy is operating with reduced services. U.S. citizens needing emergency services should call the Consular Section using the contact information below.
Actions to Take:
-
- Monitor local media for updates on changing conditions.
- Expect communication disruptions; contact family and friends to let them know you are safe.
- If safe, stock up on groceries and water and then stay home.
The U.S. Ambassador was not present in the vehicle at the time of the shooting incident. Any report to the contrary is false.
— U.S. Embassy Eswatini (@USEmbEswatini) July 9, 2021
Like all U.S. embassies around the world since 1948, Embassy Eswatini hosts a detachment of Marine Security Guards to protect the embassy and our diplomats. Due to the unrest & out of an abundance of caution, we increased our MSG forces to augment internal security. @MSG_Duty
— U.S. Embassy Eswatini (@USEmbEswatini) July 9, 2021
#Marines with the @MSG_Duty Security Augmentation Unit were part of the response team to the U.S. Embassy in Eswatini following the country’s civil unrest, June 30. @StateDept
Tap the link for the full details ⬇️
🔗 https://t.co/oUHunviYxH pic.twitter.com/CLaoWAmSAD
— U.S. Marines (@USMC) July 8, 2021
Statement regarding the honest, inclusive dialogue and accountability needed in Eswatini, below.
link: https://t.co/Bfq7oom1dE pic.twitter.com/Fec0x4vnqf— U.S. Embassy Eswatini (@USEmbEswatini) July 8, 2021
King Mswati’s daughter, Sikhanyiso Dlamini is Eswatini’s Information Minister.
She made a ridiculous claim that the people protesting are “foreign mercenaries” on @BBCAfrica@MTNza has shut down the internet!
The King’s daughter is also a board member of MTN-Eswatini!Medieval! pic.twitter.com/NG2pPB6350
— Hopewell Chin’ono Today (@daddyhope) July 4, 2021
Princess Sikhanyiso Dlamini is the eldest daughter of King Mswati III of Eswatini, she tells @BBC_AudreyB whether her father is willing to negotiate Eswatini becoming a monarchy after the #eswatiniprotests.
📻 Full interview on Focus on Africa https://t.co/1xhtBQzO3k pic.twitter.com/53oX0Fsu18
— BBC News Africa (@BBCAfrica) July 3, 2021
You must be logged in to post a comment.