Across Africa, the tiny nation of Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is facing an uproar following the arrival of foreign deportees from the United States. The government confirmed that migrants, referred to by a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson as “depraved monsters,” have been sent to the nation’s prisons, igniting widespread outrage among citizens. Governed by a monarch with absolute power, Eswatini is roughly the size of New Jersey and is now grappling with the implications of accepting these deportees.
On Wednesday, officials announced that five deportees from the US are currently being held in isolated units within Eswatini's prisons. While acknowledging the “widespread concern” from the public, government representatives have insisted that the deported men “pose no threat to the country or its citizens.” According to acting government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli, the deportation was the result of “months of robust high-level engagements” between the US and Eswatini.
The deportation of individuals to Eswatini is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration, which has been under scrutiny for its mass deportation policies. While the administration has faced logistical hurdles, some African nations have expressed their unwillingness to accept deportees. Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar criticized the US for exerting considerable pressure on African countries to accept foreign deportees, highlighting the situation with Venezuelans being deported from the US.
According to DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, the five detainees flown to Eswatini are nationals from Jamaica, Laos, Cuba, Yemen, and Vietnam. These individuals were described as “uniquely barbaric,” with their home countries refusing to take them back. The deportees have been convicted of serious crimes, including child rape, murder, and robbery. The Eswatini government has stated that it will work with the US and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to facilitate the transit of these inmates back to their countries of origin, although no timelines have been established for their repatriation.
The decision by Eswatini to accept US deportees has sparked significant public disapproval, largely due to the perceived risks associated with their presence. The nation, which has a population of just over one million, is already struggling with issues such as poverty, high unemployment rates, and congested prisons. The opposition party, PUDEMO, voiced concerns that accepting foreign deportees poses a serious risk to vulnerable communities already grappling with high crime rates.
Lucky Lukhele, a member of the Swaziland Solidarity Network, condemned the decision as “clear racism,” suggesting that it reflects a belief that Africa can be treated as a “dumping ground” for undesirable individuals. The Multi Stakeholder Forum (MSF), a coalition of civil society groups in Eswatini, emphasized that the country’s sovereignty and dignity should not be compromised for dubious political deals.
It remains unclear how Eswatini will benefit from housing US deportees. Government spokesperson Mdluli has indicated that the terms of the agreement with the US are classified, and there is currently no information on whether more deportees will be sent to Eswatini. The country’s trade privileges with the US were threatened in April when it was included in a list of tariffs, raising concerns about the economic implications for Eswatini as it faces a 10% tariff on its exports.
The arrival of US deportees has also generated uproar in neighboring South Africa, with fears that the deported individuals may attempt to move into South African territory. A South African government source suggested that the US may be using the deportation of prisoners to Eswatini as a means to destabilize the region. This perception adds a layer of national security concern for both Eswatini and its larger neighbor.
As Eswatini navigates the complexities of accepting foreign deportees, experts warn that African nations are being coerced into agreements that may not serve their best interests. Ken Opalo, an associate professor at Georgetown University, cautioned that such deals with the Trump administration could lead to unpredictable consequences, particularly given the transactional nature of US foreign policy.
The situation in Eswatini highlights the challenges faced by nations grappling with the fallout of international immigration policies and the potential risks involved in accepting deportees from the United States.
