Eswatini Accepts 10 Deportees from the US Amid Legal Controversy

Sat Oct 11 2025 03:36:18 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Eswatini has accepted a group of 10 deportees from the United States despite ongoing legal challenges from rights organizations questioning the legality of the deportation process.

In a move that has raised eyebrows, the government of Eswatini has accepted 10 deportees from the United States, marking the second such group sent under a controversial agreement amid legal challenges and concerns over democratic processes in the tiny kingdom.

The US has deported 10 people to Eswatini despite rights groups in the southern African state mounting legal action to block the plan.

This is the second batch of deportees that the Trump administration has sent to Eswatini as part of its hard-line approach towards immigration.

The 10 have been securely accommodated, and posed no threat to the public, Eswatini's prison department stated.

Eswatini accepted five deportees, described by the US government as deprived monsters, in July. One of them has since been repatriated to Jamaica, his country of origin, while another two are expected to be repatriated soon, according to Eswatini's government.

In a statement on Sunday, the government said it would take in 11 deportees following an agreement with the US to cooperate in this manner; however, it did not explain why only 10 had arrived. The names of the deportees have not been disclosed.

Concerns about the legality of such deportations surfaced as a court case against them is due to resume in Mbabane. Activists, supported by the Southern African Litigation Centre (SALC), argue that this amounts to executive overreach, with the constitution requiring parliamentary consent for such agreements, which was absent here.

Eswatini's government is defending its actions by claiming that it acted within its rights, citing constitutional provisions for agreements with foreign nations. Nonetheless, this decision has sparked protests and concerns about potential ramifications, particularly given the neighboring South Africa's fears that the deportees might cross into their territory.

Eswatini, known for its absolute monarchy under King Mswati III since 1986, is facing scrutiny over issues related to democracy and governance as it approaches its legal proceedings.