The Kingdom of Eswatini has confirmed the arrival of four additional individuals deported from the United States, none of whom are its own citizens. This marks the latest movement under a bilateral arrangement with American authorities.
According to an official release from the Eswatini government, the group, which landed on Wednesday night, consists of nationals from Somalia, Sudan, and Tanzania. Their identities and specific circumstances have not been made public.
This transfer is part of a broader initiative by US officials to relocate certain individuals after they have completed judicial sentences. Under these arrangements, the US provides financial compensation to receiving nations to accept deportees who are not their citizens. Reports indicate that Eswatini has received over five million dollars in connection with this agreement, bringing the total number of such individuals sent to the country to 19.
The policy has drawn scrutiny from legislative investigators abroad, who have raised concerns about the practice of directing funds to governments with questionable human rights records. A recent inquiry cited instances of corruption and abuse in some recipient nations.
Previous groups sent to Eswatini have included citizens from various Asian and Middle Eastern countries. Legal challenges regarding the detention of these individuals have been filed with regional human rights bodies, arguing that their continued confinement is unlawful. While a local court recently dismissed one such case, the ruling is under appeal.
Flight monitoring data indicates the deportation aircraft departed from the southwestern United States before arriving in southern Africa. US homeland security officials have stated the operation is part of a broader enforcement effort but declined to provide further details on the individuals involved.
The situation of those already transferred remains unresolved, with most reportedly still held in detention facilities despite having served their original sentences.
