Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu says the decision to accept the five inmates from the United States of America will enable Eswatini to forge strategic relationships, which it should uphold with confidence and not be bullied by those who might question it.
This was shared by the minister yesterday after Hhukwini Member of Parliament (MP) Alec Lushaba raised the matter during a session the ministry held to capacitate members of its portfolio committee on its operations.
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The US inmates were deported to the country on 16 July, drawing global attention. The five inmates deported from the United States to Eswatini are originally from Vietnam, Jamaica, Laos, Cuba, and Yemen.
On 7 August, the government of South Africa expressed concern to Eswatini over the arrival of the inmates, claiming such a move had potential impact on their security.
Strategic Relationships and National Sovereignty
Shakantu said as Africans, they had often been unable to have agreements with major influential countries on an equal footing. She noted that the country was now sitting as an equal with these powerful nations, moving away from a culture of merely being recipients of donations.
She added that if there was something the country could do to help other nations for strategic purposes, there was no reason to refuse or fear criticism.
“These people are also learning from something strong that we have. We must stand firm and support what the country is doing because it is a strategic move. In some countries, they have increased visa application fees, and I wonder what we will do if we do not have relations with these countries.”
– Minister Pholile Shakantu
Defending Eswatini’s Decisions
Shakantu emphasised that this was about establishing strategic relationships the country must defend confidently, without being intimidated by anyone questioning its decisions.
She said refusing to participate, as some countries had done, would ultimately cause suffering for the nation. She also stressed that some matters could not be openly discussed, as doing so could derail processes before negotiations were concluded.
“Some of these things will be addressed confidentially, and we trust that the prime minister, who is the captain, will make the right decisions.”
– Minister Pholile Shakantu
According to Shakantu, current global politics were different from those of the past.
“There are things we are not accustomed to, but they are not new just as these criminals are not a new phenomenon since some countries have done this before. There are international laws that govern migration, and these are just five people.”
– Minister Pholile Shakantu
She further clarified that this was a controlled programme, meaning the five were not roaming the streets. However, she claimed that competitors were spreading the narrative that Eswatini’s participation would harm the country’s interests.
Building Strong Bilateral Ties
Shakantu stressed that Eswatini was a sovereign nation that would make its own decisions. She said the ministry of foreign affairs had long considered geopolitical factors, which was why it had been establishing and strengthening bilateral relationships with other countries.
“This is our way of having strong, independent bilateral relations so that if something happens, we know we have many allies. We also appreciate the foreign policy initiated by Their Majesties, under which the country has adopted a neutral stance, with no enemies.” – Minister Pholile Shakantu
Regional and Continental Gains
Shakantu added that this approach was already bearing fruit, enabling the country to join the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, which was a position secured with the support of nations it has close ties with.
“This is what helps us make agreements and arrangements with other countries, ultimately benefiting the nation.” – Minister Pholile Shakantu
She explained that the current programme should not raise public concern, pointing out that discussions were already underway with the countries where these criminals originated. She stressed that Eswatini was merely a transit point.
“Some countries can now speak with each other through Eswatini. We are therefore able to arrange the repatriation of these people to their home countries. Other nations have joined the programme and have taken in 250 people, depending on their capacity.” – Minister Pholile Shakantu
Addressing Public Concerns and Investor Confidence
Shakantu said she valued the opportunity to meet MPs and senators and proposed holding a residential workshop to discuss pressing issues affecting the ministry.
The minister was responding to concerns over the deportation of the five criminals while Eswatini was actively seeking foreign investors.
MP Alec Lushaba had argued that as the minister was engaging with the portfolio committee, she should address any issues that could cause public anxiety.
“You should state what is happening and how we can work with government. People are now saying we are looking for investors while bringing in criminals. We need to give Emaswati and foreign investors reassurance and take them into our confidence.” – MP Alec Lushaba
He added that they had been briefed on what needed to happen for the country to sign agreements, noting that this involved cabinet and the office of the attorney general being informed.
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