Outrage in Eswatini over 'secret' deal with US to receive dangerous foreign convicts
The Eswatini government confirmed it is hosting five third-country nationals deported from the US, sparking backlash over secrecy and safety concerns.
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CapeTalk's Lester Kiewit is joined by Zweli Martin Dlamini, Editor of Swaziland News.
Listen below:
The Eswatini government revealed this week it was holding five third-country nationals deported from the United States following a deal reached with the Trump administration.
In June, the US Supreme Court gave President Donald Trump the green light to deport migrants to countries other than their own.
The convicted criminals are from Vietnam, Jamaica, Laos, Cuba and Yemen and were convicted of crimes ranging from child rape to murder.
“A safe third country deportation flight to Eswatini has landed — This flight took individuals so uniquely barbaric that their home countries refused to take them back,” said US Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin.
The move has been met by opposition in Eswatini.
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"People were shocked, and the story is still being debated on social media."
- Zweli Martin Dlamini, Editor - Swaziland News
Dlamini says this was seemingly a 'secret' deal between Eswatini government officials and the United States.
"No one in Parliament was even aware... we are speaking about an issue that clearly undermines state security."
- Zweli Martin Dlamini, Editor - Swaziland News
Dlamini adds that even more troubling than the secrecy around the deal is the risk posed if the criminals were to escape.
"Now we are talking about neighbouring countries expressing disappointment and even living in fear... these criminals can escape anytime, even to neighbouring South Africa."
- Zweli Martin Dlamini, Editor - Swaziland News
Meanwhile, as South Africa braces itself for the introduction of 30% tariffs on South African goods into the US from next month, Eswatini saw tariffs of 10% introduced by Trump in April.
Is the prisoner's deal some way to mitigate against the tariff imposed by the US, asks Kiewit.
"I wouldn't rule out the possibility of that because the Trump administration has been using the issue of tariffs to convince countries to play within its political gallery."
- Zweli Martin Dlamini, Editor - Swaziland News
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