The country is currently home to 4 954 active refugees, with the largest number coming from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
This is according to the third quarter report for the 2025/26 financial year released by the Ministry of Home Affairs (Eswatini).
Of the total, 1 258 originate from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, making it the leading country of origin among refugees in Eswatini.
The dominance of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the data mirrors ongoing instability and humanitarian challenges in parts of Central Africa, which continue to drive displacement across the continent.
Following the DRC is Somalia with a total of 1 136 refugees.
Significant numbers of refugees also come from Burundi and Rwanda.
The three countries collectively make up a substantial share of the active refugee population recorded in the report. The figures demonstrate that the Great Lakes region remains a major source of displacement for Southern African host countries.
The report further shows notable numbers from Ethiopia, reflecting migration flows from the Horn of Africa.
Refugees from Zimbabwe are also recorded among the active population, underlining that displacement is not confined to one sub-region of the continent.
Gender distribution included in the report indicates a relatively balanced composition between male and female refugees across most nationalities. In some country categories, women and children form a slightly higher proportion, highlighting the vulnerability of families fleeing conflict and insecurity.
It was said that accurate demographic data is essential for effective governance. The statistics guide decision-making in areas such as education enrolment, healthcare provisioning and social support systems.
Refugee children require access to schooling, while adults often seek livelihood opportunities within the confines of national regulations.
The report also highlights the country’s adherence to international refugee protection frameworks.
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As a signatory to key regional and global conventions, Eswatini continues to process asylum claims and provide sanctuary to qualifying individuals. The presence of 4 954 active refugees demonstrates the country’s ongoing role in the broader continental humanitarian response.
Although Eswatini is a relatively small nation, the diversity of countries represented in the refugee population is striking. Beyond the leading contributors, smaller numbers are recorded from other African states, adding to the multicultural fabric of the refugee community.
This diversity presents both opportunities for social integration and challenges related to language barriers, documentation and employment access.
It was emphasised that the figures remain dynamic. Movements such as voluntary repatriation, resettlement to third countries or new asylum applications can alter the totals over time. Nonetheless, the current active population offers a clear snapshot of the scale of protection presently being extended.
The dominance of the Democratic Republic of the Congo at the top of the list is particularly significant. Years of armed conflict, political tension and humanitarian crises have left millions displaced internally and externally.
The fact that these individuals have found refuge in Eswatini highlights the interconnected nature of African migration patterns.
Likewise, the continued presence of refugees from Burundi and Rwanda reflects the lingering socio-political effects of past conflicts and periodic instability.
For Somalia and Ethiopia, protracted insecurity and environmental pressures have compounded displacement trends.
The ministry’s report clarifies that demographic analysis is not merely statistical record-keeping. It forms the backbone of national planning and international reporting obligations.
By detailing the active refugee population by status and country of origin, government ensures transparency and accountability in managing refugee affairs.
As global displacement numbers continue to rise, Eswatini’s hosting of nearly 5 000 active refugees is a reminder that humanitarian responsibility is shared across nations of all sizes.
With the Democratic Republic of the Congo leading the country-of-origin statistics, the data paints a picture of a kingdom quietly contributing to regional stability by offering protection to those forced to flee.
Quick Read Summary
Eswatini is currently hosting 4 954 active refugees, with the largest number coming from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Government data highlights the country’s role in providing protection to displaced people from several African regions.
