South Africa Raises Security Concerns Over US Deportation of Criminals to Eswatini

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has voiced serious concerns over the arrival of convicted criminals in Eswatini from the United States, warning of potential implications for regional security.

According to Eswatini government officials, the individuals, who are of various nationalities, were flown into the kingdom on a special flight arranged by Washington. Authorities in Eswatini say more deportees are expected to arrive in the coming weeks.

While both the US and Eswatini have pledged to work with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to facilitate the safe transit of the deportees to their countries of origin, DIRCO has expressed skepticism about the likelihood of those countries accepting the returnees.

In a statement, the South African government stressed that while it respects Eswatini’s sovereign right to manage its immigration affairs, Pretoria is deeply worried about the potential consequences for national security and immigration control, especially given the close geographic and political ties between the two nations.

The development has sparked public outrage and drawn scrutiny over the lack of regional consultation prior to the deportations. A related video circulating on social media shows growing unease over the matter.

DIRCO says it will continue to engage diplomatically with Eswatini and the United States to better understand the long-term implications of the deportations and ensure the security of the broader Southern African region.