South Africa (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Eswatini received $5.1 million from the Trump administration under a confidential agreement to accept at least 15 third-country deportees from nations like Vietnam, Cuba, Laos, Yemen, and the Philippines, sparking legal challenges from human rights groups claiming unconstitutionality and lack of parliamentary oversight. The deal, involving detention in maximum-security prisons, has drawn outrage over national security, trade tariff speculations, and Eswatini’s role as a migrant dumping ground, with ongoing court battles and regional concerns from South Africa.
Details of the Secret Agreement
Eswatini accepted the financial deal in May 2025, enabling up to 160 deportees without informing Parliament, the public, or most cabinet ministers, as noted by critics. Reuters reported the $5.1 million payment specifically for accepting third-country nationals, with at least 15 sent so far, most held in detention. Channel Africa transcript details: “Eswatini has reportedly received 5.1 million US dollars under a confidential agreement to accept third country nationals deported by the Trump administration.”
Acting government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli confirmed the men are in solitary confinement for security, stating: “Critical engagements between stakeholders are still ongoing,” without disclosing prison locations or stay duration. She described it as resulting from “months of robust high-level engagements.” The US covers imprisonment costs, with plans to work with the International Organization for Migration for repatriation to home countries.
Deportees’ Profiles and Detention
The initial five arrivals on 16 July 2025 were convicted of serious crimes from Vietnam, Jamaica, Laos, Cuba, and Yemen. Subsequent groups brought the total to 15, including Filipinos. They are held in maximum-security prisons unsuitable for immigration violations, per Professor Lauren Landau in Channel Africa. Eswatini government claimed they pose no threat.
BBC reported: “The five people convicted of serious crimes come from Vietnam, Jamaica, Laos, Cuba and Yemen, the US says.” No legal representation clarity exists for deportees.
Legal Challenges in Eswatini High Court
On 14 August 2025, the Eswatini Litigation Centre, Swaziland Rural Women’s Assembly, and Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC) filed an urgent application declaring the pact unconstitutional. They seek invalidation, public disclosure of terms and finances, and an interdict on further arrivals. The groups stated: “This court application is a signal to the world that African countries would no longer act as dumping grounds for the Global North’s unresolved issues.”
Eswatini government acting spokesperson Thabile Mdluli responded: “We will allow the courts to do their job and can’t comment further on the matter since it’s now sub judice.” Genocide Watch highlighted the NGOs’ prior threats of action.
Government and Official Reactions
Prime Minister Russell Dlamini affirmed:
“Eswatini is open to receiving more deportees if requested to do so by the US and if Eswatini has the capacity.”
The Swazi Solidarity Network’s spokesperson Lucky Lukhele told BBC:
“Eswatini should not become a dumping ground for criminals and that the safety of its citizens is paramount.”
CNN sourced outrage:
“The source said the deportations to Eswatini were a provocation by the US and a direct national security threat.”
Eswatini did not disclose financial arrangements initially.
South Africa’s Regional Concerns
Pretoria summoned Eswatini’s high commissioner last week for clarity. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya stated at a press conference: “South Africa’s concerns about the whole exercise are well documented and well known, and Eswatini has so far undertaken to ensure that none of those individuals escape their care and find themselves in South Africa.” Engagements continue with assurances given. Daily Maverick sought confirmation from Dirco spokesperson Chrispin Phiri without response by publication.
US Trump Administration’s Strategy
Since reelection, President Donald Trump pursues deportations to nations like Eswatini amid a New York Times June probe on 50+ countries targeted. A Department of Homeland Security memo detailed a March diplomat meeting with Eswatini officials. This resumes third-country deportations, with Eswatini spared tariffs hurting global economies, fuelling speculation of a trade-off for sugar exports, US’s fourth largest market for Eswatini.
Fair Observer podcast noted: “Dlamini says a secret agreement allowed the US to fly deportees in without informing Parliament, the public or even most cabinet ministers.” Firstpost video: “The deal, signed quietly in May, allowed Washington to send up to 160 third-country nationals.”
Broader Context and Human Rights Issues
NGOs challenge Eswatini as a “dumping ground,” per Genocide Watch title. Refugee History blog links to US projects deporting to Eswatini and Ghana into fall 2025. Al Jazeera mentions Eswatini amid US-Belize safe third-country asylum pact. Channel Africa raised political, legal, governance issues with Professor Lauren Landau.
Speculation on Trade Incentives
Analysts suggest Eswatini protected sugar trade from tariffs via the deal. Trump’s sweeping tariffs spared the kingdom earlier 2025.
Ongoing Developments and Implications
Court battle persists sub judice. Deportees’ fates unclear, with IOM repatriation planned. Regional tensions with South Africa continue. The pact underscores Global North-South dynamics in migration.
