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US Deportations to Eswatini Raise Regional Tension but Officials Assure “No Security Risk”
The small kingdom of Eswatini, one of the world’s last remaining absolute monarchies, is again under international scrutiny after confirming it will receive a new group of deportees from the United States this month. The government has stressed that the individuals, all convicted criminals, “pose no security risk” to the public or neighbouring countries.
Eleven Convicts Expected from the US
Acting government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli announced that eleven foreign nationals would arrive in Eswatini during October 2025 under an agreement with the United States. The group will be housed in a secure, undisclosed location while plans are made for their repatriation to their home countries.
“The government of Eswatini will work closely with the countries of origin and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to ensure the convicts are safely reintegrated with their families and societies,” Mdluli said.
He added that two additional deportees are expected to be repatriated soon, building on the experience of a successful return of one individual to Jamaica in late September.
South Africa’s Unease Over the Transfers
South Africa has not hidden its discomfort over the ongoing deportations. In August, officials in Pretoria raised “deep concern” following the arrival of the first group of five US-deported criminals in Eswatini, describing them as “barbaric” offenders and warning that their proximity could create regional security risks.
Given that Eswatini shares a porous border with South Africa, immigration and intelligence officials have urged the Swazi government to ensure strict containment and legal oversight. The issue has become symbolic of broader worries over international deportation agreements and their impact on regional safety and migration control.
Government Statement: Government notifies the Nation of the expected arrival of 11 third-country nationals from the US. pic.twitter.com/wqUW2CIQkn
— Eswatini Government (@EswatiniGovern1) October 5, 2025
Legal and Human Rights Challenges
Inside Eswatini, the deportations have sparked legal and ethical debate. Human rights lawyer Sibusiso Nhlabatsi launched a High Court application after authorities allegedly blocked him from meeting the first group of detainees. His case argues for greater transparency and access to legal counsel, warning that secrecy could hide potential abuses.
Civil society groups have gone further, calling the arrangement with Washington “human trafficking disguised as deportation.” They demand public disclosure of the agreement and assurances that the deportees’ rights will be respected while in Eswatini’s custody.
“They Pose No Threat,” Says Eswatini Government
Despite public unease, Mdluli insisted that His Majesty’s government had acted responsibly and lawfully, emphasising collaboration with the IOM and other nations involved. “The public is assured that the immigrants pose no security threat to either the nation or neighbouring countries,” he said.
Officials maintain that the transfer arrangement reflects diplomatic cooperation rather than risk. The deportees, all described as third-country nationals, will be monitored until safely repatriated.
A Balancing Act for the Region
The ongoing deportations highlight a delicate balance between international cooperation and national security. While Eswatini has framed the process as humanitarian and administrative, neighbouring South Africa remains wary of unintended consequences.
For now, Eswatini’s government appears determined to manage the arrivals quietly, but with eleven new deportees due this month and more repatriations expected, the world is watching closely.
As one commentator on social media put it, “It’s a small country taking on a big global responsibility.”
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: Cape Argus
