Whereas Eswatini, one of the world’s last absolute monarchies, is ruled by King Mswati III, who has been in power for more than 36 years, and exercises ultimate authority over all branches of the national government and effectively controls local and national governance through his influence over traditional chiefs and the selection of House of Assembly candidates and control over the national electoral system; Whereas human rights and democracy advocates in Eswatini have faced repression and persecution, including arbitrary arrests, detention, and torture, and have faced on political gatherings and restrictions on their civil liberties, including with respect to expression, assembly, and freedom of the press; Whereas the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini has used laws such as the Suppression of Terrorism Act of 2008, and the Sedition and Subversive Activities Act of 1938, to suppress free speech and stifle criticism of the monarch; Whereas, from June to October 2021, the country witnessed nationwide demonstrations against security sector abuses, with protests evolving into demands for democratic reforms; Whereas King Mswati III’s government employed excessive force and arbitrary arrests and detention, as well as internet shutdowns, to repress pro-democracy protests and related advocacy activities, restrict the activities of human rights advocates, and impose blanket bans on peaceful protests; Whereas official sources note security forces in Eswatini responded with violence against protestors, reportedly killing more than 46 people, injuring more than 245, and detaining or arresting hundreds of others, although the international community suggests the true death toll is higher; Whereas the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini detained two members of parliament on spurious charges for more than 18 months under the Suppression of Terrorism Act, and charged them with terrorism and murder for allegedly encouraging pro-democracy protests and calling for a democratically elected prime minister and other reforms