AWAZA, TURKMENISTAN – Eswatini has begun formal talks with five countries to facilitate the return of convicted third-country nationals who were deported from the United States and are currently held in the Kingdom.
The deportees, originally from Yemen, Cuba, Jamaica, Laos and Vietnam, are being held under high-security conditions at local correctional facilities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation confirmed that discussions with the respective home countries are underway to arrange their safe and orderly return.
Foreign Affairs Minister Pholile Shakantu said the Kingdom has assured neighbouring South Africa that the individuals pose no security threat, following concerns raised by Pretoria over the transit and temporary custody of the foreign nationals. South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation had submitted a Non-Paper Demarche expressing its unease.
Shakantu explained that Eswatini has adopted strict security protocols and is working closely with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to manage the process. The support includes logistics and reintegration assistance for the deportees to help ensure a stable return to their countries of origin.
She said the five individuals were convicted of standard criminal offences similar to those handled within the country’s correctional system and are currently housed in the most secure facilities operated by His Majesty’s Correctional Services.
The minister added that Eswatini’s approach is rooted in its foreign policy principle of Anginasitsa (Having No Enemy), a philosophy that has shaped the country’s role in regional mediation and protection of displaced persons.
During times of regional conflict, the Kingdom served as a refuge for displaced people from South Africa, Mozambique, Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This led to the establishment of refugee centres in Malindza and Ndzevane, while South Africans, particularly during apartheid, were absorbed into local communities without the need for a separate facility.
Shakantu said Eswatini remains committed to peaceful cooperation and open communication with South Africa and all other partners involved.
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