The Eswatini government has repatriated 10 individuals deported from the US, amid concerns over the manner of their return. The deportees, some with criminal records, were part of a group of 31 people sent to Eswatini since 2025. While officials confirm that the 10 individuals were likely to have transited through South Africa, the Eswatini government is tight-lipped about the specifics of their return.
The repatriation process has sparked controversy, with reports suggesting that Eswatini was "secretly releasing" US deportees at night into South Africa through informal border crossings. However, both Eswatini and South Africa have denied these claims. Eswatini government acting spokesperson Thabile Mdluli stated that the country would not disclose the countries of transit to avoid compromising future repatriations.
The media reports in question appear to have originated from the online news portal Swaziland News, which has a history of publishing similar stories. The Eswatini government has expressed concern over the reports, describing them as "misleading" and potentially inflammatory. In a statement, the government emphasized that it works closely with international and national stakeholders to ensure the repatriation process is conducted safely and with dignity.
According to the Eswatini government, the 10 deportees were repatriated to their countries of origin between September 2025 and October 2026. The countries of origin include Jamaica, Cambodia, Mauritania, Somalia, Cameroon, Yemen, Belize, Laos, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The government confirmed that the repatriations were conducted without incident and that none of the individuals posed a threat to public safety.
The South African Border Management Authority (BMA) has also weighed in on the controversy, dismissing claims that deportees are entering South Africa through informal border crossings. The BMA stated that South Africa's land ports of entry with Eswatini are secured, with access control measures in place at designated entry and exit points.
Despite the controversy, Mdluli confirmed that another 21 Third Country Nationals (TCNs) are still in Eswatini awaiting repatriation. She cited the complexity of the repatriation process, including engagements with receiving states and transit arrangements, as the reason for the delay. Mdluli noted that the government is not expecting any new TCNs at the moment.
The Eswatini government's handling of the repatriation process has raised questions about the safety and dignity of deportees. While the government has emphasized its commitment to conducting repatriations in an orderly and safe manner, concerns remain about the potential risks and challenges faced by deportees.
Key points
- Eswatini has repatriated 10 of 31 US deportees since 2025.
- The repatriation process has sparked controversy over informal border crossings.
- Another 21 deportees are awaiting repatriation in Eswatini.
