The government of Eswatini has officially confirmed receiving $5.1 million from the United States as part of an arrangement to temporarily accommodate up to 160 individuals deported from various countries. This agreement makes Eswatini one of several nations in Africa engaged to act as a “third-country” destination for non-citizens expelled from American territory, many of whom are facing serious criminal allegations.
Under the terms, the US funds are intended to help Eswatini bolster its migration infrastructure and facilitate humane detention pending the repatriation of deportees to their countries of origin.
The Correctional Services division in Eswatini has publicly stated that the deportees will be housed in national facilities as arrangements for their return are made. Attorneys and human rights advocates have pushed back against the policy, arguing that the third-country deportation scheme bypasses legal norms and may violate the rights of those affected.
Both the Eswatini government and US officials say the deported individuals will be treated in accordance with international standards, but local legal challenges and international scrutiny of the program continue to mount. The controversy has intensified calls from civil society for greater transparency and for Eswatini’s parliament to review and possibly revoke the agreement.
