Across Africa, outrage is building over the arrival of foreign deportees from the United States.
In Eswatini — a small, landlocked monarchy formerly known as Swaziland — protests have erupted after five deportees were transferred to the country’s prisons.
These individuals were described by a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson as “depraved monsters.”
Eswatini Confirms Detentions
Eswatini officials acknowledged the presence of the five men on Wednesday.
They confirmed that the deportees were being held in isolated units and posed “no threat” to citizens.
Acting government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli told CNN the men were in solitary confinement.
She declined to reveal the names of the prisons involved, citing security reasons.
Mdluli also stated that discussions between the US and Eswatini are ongoing, and the deportation resulted from months of high-level talks.
Criticism Mounts Over ‘Dumping Ground’ Label
Critics argue that Eswatini is being used as a “dumping ground” for people the US does not want.
This backlash echoes similar opposition seen in El Salvador, where deportations under the Trump administration made global headlines.
African nations, including Nigeria, have resisted US pressure to accept third-country deportees — individuals not originally from those countries.
Nigeria Speaks Out
Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar said on national television that the US is pressuring African nations to take in deportees, including Venezuelan nationals.
He also pointed to increased tariffs and reduced visa validity as signs of political leverage.
The US Mission in Nigeria denied the changes were related to deportations, citing security improvements in immigration systems.
Trump Administration’s Position
A White House official stated that the Trump administration is committed to removing criminal illegal aliens and regularly engages with other nations on such matters.
They did not comment on specific diplomatic discussions.
Earlier this month, a Supreme Court ruling gave the administration more power to deport individuals to countries other than their own, with minimal notice.
Shortly after, eight deportees with criminal records were sent to South Sudan, a country on the brink of civil war.
Details on the Eswatini Deportees
According to DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, the five deportees sent to Eswatini were nationals of:
- Jamaica
- Laos
- Cuba
- Yemen
- Vietnam
“These depraved monsters have been terrorizing American communities,” McLaughlin posted on X, thanking President Trump and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
She said the men were convicted of crimes such as murder, child rape, and robbery.
Eswatini Plans Repatriation — Eventually
Mdluli stated that Eswatini is working with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the US to repatriate the men to their home countries.
However, there is no timeline for when that will happen.
Public Backlash in Eswatini
Many citizens in Eswatini are angry about the government’s decision.
They fear that their already struggling nation is being used by the US for political convenience.
The country faces high poverty, unemployment, crime, and overcrowded prisons.
According to the World Bank, over half the population lives on less than $4 per day.
Political and Civil Society Reactions
Opposition party PUDEMO said the move endangers communities already facing crime issues.
They warned against treating the nation as a “refuge for the unwanted.”
Lucky Lukhele, from the Swaziland Solidarity Network, called the decision “clear racism.”
He claimed sources told him more deportees are expected, despite current overcrowding in Eswatini prisons.
MSF Condemns the Move
The Multi Stakeholder Forum (MSF), a coalition of Eswatini civil groups, condemned the agreement.
They stated the country’s sovereignty and dignity should not be traded for unclear political deals.
When asked about the benefits of the arrangement, Mdluli said the terms remain classified.
She also stated there is no information yet on whether more deportees will be arriving.
Economic Pressure and Regional Concerns
In April, Eswatini’s trade privileges with the US were threatened after being hit with a 10% tariff on exports.
Neighboring South Africa was slapped with a 30% tariff, which caused concern for Eswatini’s central bank.
The deportee intake has also caused tensions in South Africa, which refused a US request to accept similar deportees.
A Threat to the Region?
A South African government source told CNN that the deportation deal could destabilize South Africa due to porous borders and Eswatini’s economic fragility.
Another diplomat warned that the deportees would likely attempt to cross into South Africa.
The source described the deportation agreement as a provocation and a national security threat.
Expert Analysis
Ken Opalo, associate professor at Georgetown University, said African countries are being coerced into unfair and unclear deals with the US.
He warned that trusting the White House with transactional deals is risky, as terms can change rapidly and without warning.
