The recent revelation that convicted criminals deported from the United States have been placed in Eswatini’s already overcrowded correctional facilities has left many citizens shocked, anxious and deeply unsettled. The question on everyone’s mind is: Does government value the safety and dignity of its people?
The manner in which this news emerged — via social and mainstream media — without prior communication from government, is both troubling and disrespectful to emaSwati. This development begs the question: Why wasn’t the nation taken into confidence? Why were citizens not consulted or informed before this international agreement took effect? Was Parliament consulted?
Rather than the prime minister addressing the nation directly on this critical issue, it was left to the Acting Government Spokesperson, Thobile Mdluli, to issue a brief statement. She confirmed that: “Government acknowledges the widespread concern regarding deportation of third-country prisoners from US into the Kingdom of Eswatini.
“Indeed, five inmates are currently housed in our correctional facilities in isolated units, where similar offenders are kept. The nation is assured that these inmates pose no threat to the country and its citizens.”
But is this statement enough to allay the nation’s fears? These individuals were convicted of serious crimes in the US. If they were deemed unfit to continue serving their sentences there, why has Eswatini agreed to host them? Are our local inmates — and citizens — truly safe?
According to CNN, a Spokesperson for the U. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Tricia McLaughlin, stated that the five deported individuals are nationals of Jamaica, Laos, Cuba, Yemen and Vietnam.
“This flight took individuals so uniquely barbaric that their home countries refused to take them back,” she wrote on X. “These depraved monsters have been terrorising American communities, but thanks to Trump, they are off American soil.”
It is both ethically questionable and diplomatically offensive for the US to ‘offload’ individuals they describe in such extreme terms into a small, developing country already battling poverty, strained infrastructure and overcrowded prisons.
If these individuals were incarcerated in US facilities, they were no longer posing an immediate threat to American communities. Why then shift the burden to us?
Eswatini has enjoyed longstanding diplomatic ties with the US and citizens had hoped that bilateral engagements would focus on trade, development aid, and capacity-building — not becoming a dumping ground for international convicts. This decision sends a worrying message about the nature of agreements signed on behalf of the people, often without their knowledge or consent.
The deportation has not only shocked the nation but attracted global criticism. CNN and other international outlets noted the outrage across Africa and in Eswatini over the arrival of foreign criminals.
“The landlocked country of just over one million people is already beleaguered by poverty, unemployment, high crime rates, and congested prisons,” CNN reported. “More than half its population lives on less than US$4 a day, according to the World Bank.”
At a time when Eswatini is facing life-threatening challenges in sectors such as health, the government’s priorities must be questioned. Parliament recently issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Executive to provide a lasting solution to the health crisis — yet the state appears to have focused its efforts on receiving foreign criminals, rather than sourcing medicines and medical personnel for the ailing population.
This situation has severely damaged the country’s international image. South African media has covered the deportation extensively, raising concerns not only for Eswatini’s safety but for regional security. What safeguards are in place should any of these individuals escape? Do our facilities have the capacity to handle prisoners who were rejected by their own countries of origin?
Parliament’s responsibility
Now, more than ever, Parliament must rise to its constitutional role of oversight. Citizens demand clarity: How long will these individuals be held in Eswatini? What legal framework supports this decision? What benefit, if any, has the country received from agreeing to this arrangement?
If Parliament remains silent or passive, it risks confirming public fears that elected representatives are powerless and detached from the people they represent.
Role of civil society
Civil society organisations must urgently mobilise and engage in robust advocacy to demand transparency and accountability. The public deserves a voice in matters that affect national safety and sovereignty. It is essential to demand the repatriation of these individuals to their countries of origin. Asibadzingi labantfu la!
Call to the church
Lastly, the Church has a critical role to play. This is a time for spiritual reflection and unified prayer for our country and its leadership. Faith communities must raise their voices in pursuit of justice, truth, and the protection of the vulnerable.
Only God Can Save us now from a government that cares less about emaSwati’s welfare!
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