The United States government has allayed public fears about the five individuals that arrived in the country after being removed from the U.S yesterday.
Responding to mounting public outcry following reports of their arrival, the Embassy confirmed the arrival, but emphasised that the group does not represent any danger to national security.
Speaking to this newspaper today, US Embassy Spokesperson Carly Van Orman confirmed that the deportees, who were flown into the country on 16 July, are presently in the custody of Eswatini government authorities.
She however assured the nation that all measures are in place to protect both the migrants and the wider population.
“These individuals are currently in the custody of government authorities and pose no threat to the citizens of Eswatini,” Van Orman stated.
“The relevant authorities are ensuring the safety and well-being of these individuals in accordance with Eswatini’s sovereign laws and international norms and obligations.”
The Embassy’s statement comes after this newspaper earlier this year reported, in line with a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) article revealing that the United States government had pursued talks with various countries, including Eswatini, to accept migrants whose home countries delayed or refused to repatriate them.
According to the WSJ, former US President Donald Trump’s administration sought similar deals with Libya, Benin, Moldova, Mongolia, Rwanda and Kosovo, building on arrangements struck with Panama, Guatemala and Honduras.
At the time of the initial report, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Sizwe Ntshangase, stated that government was unaware of any such discussions.
Efforts to seek a comment from the ministry today have been futile as both the PS and minister had not responded to messages sent to them this morning.
Eswatini Observer Press Reader
