MBABANE – Following the South African (SA) Government’s objections to Eswatini hosting five criminal immigrants from the USA, authorities in the kingdom are maintaining their stance.
The five were convicted of varying crimes in the United States of America (USA), but according to the US Government, they were subsequently rejected by their countries of origin.
According to US authorities, attempts to deport the men from Laos, Cuba, Jamaica, Vietnam and Yemen to their own countries were rejected, which is why they were immigrated to Eswatini.
Spokesperson for SA’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Chrispin Phiri, was widely quoted in SA media expressing concerns that the five pose a security threat to the republic.
“While respecting the sovereign decision of the government of Eswatini, the government of SA is deeply concerned about the profile of these individuals and the potential adverse impact on SA’s national security and immigration policy, given the geographical proximity between the two sisterly countries,” Phiri was quoted in the Sowetan.
Responding to these concerns, Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mduli said government will not relent on its position.
“We will engage with RSA through diplomatic channels. Otherwise, we maintain that these immigrants pose no threat to either emaSwati or neighbouring States.”
She said Eswatini Government will engage with RSA through diplomatic channels to respond to any concerns regarding the immigrants.
Mdluli was also interviewed by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) News Channel, where she also reiterated government’s stance that Eswatini is entitled to its decision.
The two governments, she said, will collaborate with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to facilitate the transit of these inmates to their countries of origin.
Earlier on, government said the five inmates are currently housed in our Correctional facilities in isolated units, where similar offenders are kept. She said the nation is assured that these inmates pose no threat to the country or its citizens.
Government added that this exercise is the result of months of high-level engagements between the United States Government and Eswatini.
Mdluli said the engagements considered every avenue, including risk assessments and careful consideration for the safety and security of citizens.
She said Eswatini and the United States have maintained bilateral relations spanning over five decades.
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