MANZINI, Eswatini

Following revelations on the shooting of protesters by the nation’s army, the military chief of the landlocked Southern African country of Eswatini stepped down Monday.

"Considering what has befallen me, as commander of the defense force, it was going to be very difficult for me to continue to discharge my duties as army commander,” Gen. Jeffrey Shabalala, commander of the Umbutfo Defense Force, told a press conference at army headquarters.

“Out of my personal conviction, I sought an audience with the king to discuss my resignation, and the king accepted my decision," he added.

Last week audio was leaked of Shabalala reportedly saying that it was King Mswati III who ordered the army to shoot to kill protesting citizens during June civil unrest.

In the protests for democratic reforms, which also led to burned shops and looting nationwide, some 70 youths were killed by the army and police.