Eswatini Confirms Arrival of 10 More People as Part of US Deportation Deal
Mbabane, Eswatini - Ten individuals deported by the United States have arrived in Eswatini, according to a statement released by the government on Monday. This is the second group of third-country nationals sent to the southern African kingdom under a deal between the Trump administration and Eswatini's government.
The deportees will be held in a secured area separate from the public while arrangements are made for their return to their countries of origin, according to the statement. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) will assist with the returns, but the statement did not specify where the individuals were originally from or the reasons given by the US for their deportation.
The arrival of these deportees has sparked concerns among human rights organizations and lawyers who argue that it is a violation of international law to send people to countries without considering their safety and well-being. "This practice is a clear breach of human rights," said Sibusiso Dlamini, a local lawyer who has been following the case. "These individuals have been sent to Eswatini without any consideration for their safety or their ability to reintegrate into society."
The first group of five men was deported last month and held at the Matsapha correctional complex in Eswatini. The facility is designed to hold prisoners, not deportees, and has raised concerns about the treatment and living conditions of those being held there.
Eswatini's government has maintained that it is complying with international law and cooperating with the US on this matter. However, critics argue that the country's lack of resources and infrastructure makes it ill-equipped to handle the influx of deportees. "We are not a detention center," said a spokesperson for the Eswatini government. "We are doing our best to comply with international obligations, but we need more support from the international community."
The arrival of these deportees has also raised questions about the impact on local communities. Many residents in Eswatini are concerned about the potential strain on resources and services such as healthcare and education. "We welcome anyone who is seeking a better life," said a resident of Mbabane, "but we need to make sure that our own people have access to basic necessities."
The US Department of Homeland Security has not commented on the specific reasons for the deportation or the conditions under which these individuals were sent back to Eswatini. However, human rights organizations are calling for greater transparency and accountability in such cases.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains unclear what will happen next with these deportees. The IOM is working closely with the Eswatini government to facilitate their return to their countries of origin, but many questions remain unanswered about the treatment and living conditions of those being held at the Matsapha correctional complex.
In related news, a group of local activists has launched a campaign calling for greater transparency and accountability in the handling of deportees. "We want to make sure that these individuals are treated with dignity and respect," said one activist. "We also want to ensure that our government is doing everything it can to protect their human rights."
*Reporting by Theguardian.*
