Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has clarified that the agreement with the United States of America (USA) regarding the deportation of five inmates into Eswatini was a high-level diplomatic arrangement.
He emphasised that not every agreement requires public involvement, especially those grounded in strong bilateral cooperation.
Responding to questions from Members of Parliament (MPs) during the debate on the prime minister’s office first quarter budget performance report, Dlamini said the agreement was solely bilateral, reflecting both the depth of diplomatic ties and respect for the country’s political sovereignty. The premier emphasised that the arrangement was based on the enduring and mutually beneficial relationship between Eswatini and USA.
He also clarified that Eswatini also had relationships with the countries of origin for the deportees and them coming to Eswatini would benefit the kingdom bilaterally through improved relationships of both current administrations. Pertaining to questions whether more deportees may come, the PM said if a similar request was to be advanced by the US government, acceptance would be based on capacity and availability.
The PM further maintained that there was no financial benefit to be derived from the agreement. This was detailed in the report of the prime minister’s office portfolio committee on the debate of the ministry’s first quarter performance report for the financial year 2025/26. During the debate, Hhukwini MP Alec Lushaba enquired why the prime minister had a media briefing on the ‘king’s visitors.’
“I don’t know why they are referred to as ‘king’s visitors’ since I know those to be the ones from the country,” said Lushaba. He questioned where the agreement with the US was and if it was available, why did the PM not notify the nation ahead. “Under which agreement are they here because the prime minister’s office has a human trafficking department that guards against the trafficking of people,” he added.
Lushaba claimed they heard that Cabinet was also in the dark and the media alleged that the prime minister feared that the information could be leaked and yet the newspapers reported that the PM’s office now had engaged an official who had arrested the information leaks and questioned which leaks then did the PM feared.
In response, the premier said the agreement with the US was purely based on the strong bilateral relations Eswatini and the US enjoyed. “Eswatini also has relationships with the countries of origin for the deportees, them coming to Eswatini will benefit the country bilaterally through improved relationships of both current administrations,” he said. He further clarified that not every diplomatic engagement needed to involve large groups of people as some agreements were high level for a reason.
He added that the PM’s office advised members of the House to be wary of the news sources they followed as the prime minister never accuse cabinet of leaking such any sensitive information. Lobamba Lomdzala MP acknowledged that the PM finally faced the world on the matter of the deportees because it was befitting of his office not that of the spokesperson.
“We cannot hear from a child, never mind whether we agree on the content of the media briefing or not. Can such matters be given the seriousness they deserve,” said Khumalo
He also enquired if the PM could also take into consideration what damage and consequences the country could have after taking such a decision.
“Can decisions not be taken based on individual interest,” said Khumalo.
The PM acknowledged that the issue of the deportees caused panic locally.
However, he maintained that it was a bilateral agreement which had taken into account both diplomatic relations and the political sanctity of the country.
Dlamini said the office of the spokesperson was designed to take the heat away from the country’s leaders. However he said he had noted members’ advice. Khumalo further enquired: “does the deportation also extend to terrorists? Is it true that serious money has been paid on this deal?”
Weighing in, Ntondozi MP Peter Ngwenya, said since local correctional facilities carrying capacity was already overcrowded with about 1 630 inmates, why did government considered the five ‘lecturers’ from US.
In response, the PM said the ‘lecturers,’ as the MP preferred to call the US deportees, were only in the country temporarily and did not require much capacity since there was only five of them. Lobamba MP Michael Masilela also enquired about the specifications of the agreements government had with the US regarding the issue of deportations.
“We are worried of our safety with the issue of deportees,” he enquired.
The PM responded, he was adamant that the agreement with the US was purely based on the strong bilateral relations. He reassured Emaswati that the deportees did not pose any threat to the citizens of the country so there was absolutely no reason for panic.
Deputy Speaker Madala Mhlanga expressed hope that the recent issue of deportees from the US to Eswatini would not affect the country’s relationship with neighbouring countries such as the Republic of South Africa, since they recently had a fall-out with the US.
The PM said the deportees did not pose any threat to local citizens, let alone to the country’s neighbours so there was no reason why South Africa would be bothered by them passing through Eswatini.
Eswatini Observer Press Reader
