The authors write that is tempting to assume the situation in eSwatini will return to normal. They spell out why it will not.

The end of June brought with it reports that Africa’s last absolute ruler had fled his kingdom of eSwatini in the face of mass uprisings. Although this act was later denied by the government, the fact remained that the monarchy was undergoing its most serious challenge yet in its 53-year independence from colonial rule. This comes at a time of building class tension and follows a pattern of increasing unrest in sub-Saharan Africa.