Eswatini Faces Backlash for Accepting 10 U.S. Deportees Amid Legal Battle

Rights groups challenge the government’s decision as court proceedings continue over controversial U.S. Eswatini deportation deal.

Eswatini has accepted ten deportees from the United States despite ongoing legal challenges from human rights groups. The arrivals mark the second batch of deportees sent to the southern African kingdom under a controversial U.S. immigration policy initiated by the Trump administration. According to Eswatini’s prison department, the individuals have been “securely accommodated” and pose no public threat.

Legal Challenge Ignored

Human rights lawyer Mzwandile Masuku expressed deep concern over the government’s actions, saying he was “shocked and dismayed” that authorities received the group while a related court case was still pending. The case challenges the July arrival of five previous deportees from Jamaica, Cuba, Laos, Vietnam, and Yemen, whom the U.S. described as “depraved monsters.” Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Eswatini proceeded with the latest batch of arrivals, raising questions about respect for judicial processes.

Unclear Numbers and Secrecy

The Eswatini government previously announced that it would take in 11 deportees under a cooperation agreement with the United States but failed to explain why only 10 arrived. Officials have not disclosed the names or identities of the deportees, further fueling concerns about transparency and accountability. A government statement emphasized that the individuals are being kept in a secure area, separate from the public, while arrangements for their repatriation are made.

A Controversial Agreement

Human Rights Watch (HRW) revealed that Eswatini’s agreement with the U.S. allows up to 160 deportees in exchange for $5.1 million to support the country’s “border and migration management capacity.” Civil society groups argue this arrangement bypassed parliamentary approval and therefore violates the Eswatini constitution, which mandates such agreements receive legislative consent. Critics have described the deal as a form of “executive overreach.”

Civil Society Pushback

The Southern African Litigation Centre (SALC) and other civic groups have filed a court case opposing the government’s decision. They argue that it represents “democratic regression” in a country that adopted a constitution 20 years ago to strengthen parliamentary oversight and accountability. Protesters also gathered outside the U.S. embassy when the first deportees arrived, demanding transparency and respect for the rule of law.

Political Reactions and Government Defense

Some members of Eswatini’s parliament raised concerns about the lack of consultation over the deal. However, Prime Minister Russell Dlamini stated that the matter was handled at “top clearance level,” suggesting it had received high-level approval. The government insists that it acted within its constitutional powers and that international agreements of this nature can be executed without parliamentary approval under certain circumstances.

International Concerns

The arrangement has not only stirred controversy within Eswatini but also alarmed neighboring South Africa, which fears that deportees might cross into its territory through porous borders. In response, Eswatini’s acting government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli assured the public that the deportees are under strict security and kept in solitary confinement to prevent any movement beyond designated facilities.

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Human Rights and Democratic Principles at Stake

Human rights advocates argue that this issue symbolizes a broader struggle for democratic accountability in Eswatini. Melusi Simelane of the SALC criticized the government for undermining democratic progress, saying that the country should be demonstrating stronger rule of law, greater transparency, and respect for institutional checks and balances after decades under King Mswati III’s absolute rule. Critics say the current deal highlights how fragile Eswatini’s democracy remains.

Historical and Political Context

Formerly known as Swaziland, Eswatini is a small, landlocked monarchy bordered by South Africa and Mozambique. Since 1986, King Mswati III has ruled the nation with near-absolute authority. The deportation agreement has rekindled long-standing debates about the monarchy’s dominance over state institutions and the extent of genuine democratic reform within the country.

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