The South African government has officially reached out to Eswatini following the recent arrival of five deported inmates from the United States of America.
According to a statement by Chrispin Phiri, Spokesperson for South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Pretoria has expressed concerns over the implications of the inmates’ arrival. The five individuals, originally from Vietnam, Jamaica, Cuba, Laos, and Yemen, were deported from the U.S. on a special flight. Reports suggest that more deportees may follow.
Eswatini’s acting government spokesperson, Thabile Mdluli, has since reassured the public that the inmates pose no threat to citizens or neighbouring countries. The five are currently held in solitary confinement under the custody of His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS).
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Phiri noted that the United States Department of Homeland Security confirmed the deportations and announced a collaboration between the U.S., Eswatini, and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to facilitate the deportees’ return to their respective home countries.
However, DIRCO raised concerns that these countries of origin may not be willing to accept the returnees.
“While we respect Eswatini’s sovereign decisions, our government is deeply concerned about the profile of these individuals and the possible impact on South Africa due to our close geographic proximity,” Phiri stated.
Mdluli confirmed that South Africa has engaged Eswatini via diplomatic channels and that discussions on the matter will continue through those avenues.
“We maintain that these individuals do not pose any threat to Eswatini or to neighbouring states,” she affirmed.
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