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Protests by students are continuing in Africa's last absolute monarchy Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland. They're taking place outside schools to call for free education and the release of two MPs who were jailed in late July for demanding political reform and the reduction in the powers of King Mswati III. Eswatini's monarch has called for an open forum to discuss the pro-democracy protests.

The kingdom is one of Africa’s poorest countries – the King’s critics accuse him of living lavishly while his people face crippling poverty daily.

At least 82 schools have been closed this week because of the protests, which have been going on for the past month, and there are reports of shots being fired by the security forces to disperse protesters. Some even allege students were injured. The prime minister has said the reports were exaggerated.

Colani Maseko is president of the Swaziland National Union of Students. He tells us the protesters' demands are getting more determined:

"The struggle is no longer about the students... all the people engaging in the strike now are calling for democracy and the removal of King Mswati III. The people have promised they will render the country ungovernable until democracy is attained."

"We are not just looking for the reduction of the King's power. We want the King to go. We don't want him to be in power anymore. We want to choose a government of the people by the people."

(Pic: King Mswati III ; Credit: AFP)

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