The US has deported 10 individuals to Eswatini despite rights groups in the southern African nation mounting legal action to block the plan. This is the second group of deportees under the Trump administration's stringent immigration policies.
Eswatini's prison department confirmed that the deportees have been 'securely accommodated' and do not pose a threat to the public.
This latest batch follows the arrival of five deportees in July, described by the US as 'depraved monsters.' Notably, one has since returned to Jamaica, while others are expected to be repatriated.
On Sunday, the Eswatini government indicated it would accept 11 deportees, having reached an agreement with the US for cooperation. However, only ten arrived. Their names have not been disclosed.
Concerns regarding the legality of the deportations are heightened as a court case challenging the government's actions is set to resume in Mbabane. The Southern African Litigation Centre argues that the government's decision constitutes an 'executive over-reach,' potentially contravening constitutional requirements for parliamentary consent.
Activists have protested outside the US embassy, labeling the deal as secretive and indicative of a regression in the nation’s democracy, which was intended to enhance parliamentary power 20 years ago.
The Eswatini government maintains it acted within its powers, asserting the constitution allows for such agreements with foreign states. Some MPs had raised concerns, but Prime Minister Russell Dlamini indicated that the issue was handled at the 'top clearance level.'
These developments have prompted alarm in neighboring South Africa, wary of the potential for deportees to cross its borders. Eswatini maintains that the deportees are being held separately in secure facilities.
Formerly known as Swaziland, Eswatini is a landlocked nation bordered by South Africa and Mozambique, ruled by King Mswati III since 1986.
