The United States government has deported ten individuals to Eswatini amid mounting criticism from human rights groups and ongoing legal challenges in the southern African kingdom. The deportations are part of Washington’s intensified immigration enforcement efforts, marking the second batch of deportees sent to Eswatini under this policy.
Eswatini authorities confirmed the arrival of the group, stating that the individuals had been “securely accommodated” and posed no threat to the public. The deportations follow a controversial agreement between the US and Eswatini to cooperate on receiving deported individuals, though the details of the arrangement remain largely undisclosed. The government had previously said that 11 deportees were expected to arrive, but only 10 were confirmed to have landed, and their names have not been made public.
This latest transfer comes just months after Eswatini accepted five other deportees described by US officials as dangerous individuals. According to the government, one of those previously received has since been repatriated to Jamaica, while two others are awaiting transfer to their home countries. The authorities have stressed that all deportees are being held in a “secured area separate from the public” as arrangements are made for their return to their countries of origin.
The move has triggered a wave of backlash from rights organizations, legal advocates, and opposition figures in Eswatini, who have filed a case challenging the legality of the government’s cooperation with the United States. The Southern African Litigation Centre (SALC), along with several civil society organizations, argues that the deal violates Eswatini’s constitution, which requires parliamentary approval for such international agreements. They have condemned the deportation arrangement as an act of “executive overreach” that undermines democratic principles and erodes the rule of law.
Activists have also staged protests outside the US embassy in Mbabane, denouncing what they describe as a secretive and unconstitutional agreement. They say the deal symbolizes the growing regression of democracy in Eswatini, where the monarch continues to wield sweeping powers despite the adoption of a constitution intended to promote greater accountability and separation of powers.
Human rights advocates, including members of the SALC, expressed disappointment that the government bypassed parliament in striking the deal. They argue that the decision undermines the democratic gains made over the past two decades and weakens transparency in governance. “We would have expected this milestone to reflect a maturation of our democracy — stronger rule of law, greater accountability, and clearer separation of powers,” one activist said.
In response, Eswatini’s government has defended its actions, insisting that it acted within the legal framework of the constitution. Officials maintain that the constitution provides sufficient authority for the executive to enter into agreements with foreign governments when deemed necessary for national interest. Prime Minister Russell Dlamini addressed concerns raised by lawmakers, emphasizing that the matter had been handled at the “top clearance level” and that the deportees were being securely detained.
The controversy has also attracted attention from neighboring South Africa, where authorities have expressed concern about the possible movement of deportees across the porous border. In an attempt to ease fears, Eswatini’s acting government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli assured that the individuals are being held in solitary confinement under strict supervision, with no risk of them entering neighboring territories.
Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is Africa’s last absolute monarchy, ruled by King Mswati III since 1986. The country, surrounded by South Africa and Mozambique, has faced growing domestic and international pressure to expand democratic freedoms and uphold human rights.
The deportation deal with the United States has now intensified debate over transparency, governance, and constitutional authority in the kingdom. As the court case challenging the legality of the agreement resumes, the spotlight remains on Eswatini’s leadership and its handling of one of the most contentious diplomatic and human rights issues in recent years.
For now, the deportees remain under close watch, as Eswatini finds itself balancing international cooperation with the United States against the rising domestic outcry over the erosion of democratic processes and the rule of law.
Leave a comment