MBABANE – The government of Eswatini is facing a legal challenge over an alleged secret arrangement with former United States president Donald Trump’s administration to accept foreign nationals deported from America.
The case, brought before the High Court on Friday by the Eswatini Litigation Centre and a group of human rights lawyers, was postponed to September 25 after government failed to submit its response.
Attorney General Sifiso Khumalo dismissed the matter in a written message, describing it as a frivolous legal application.
The dispute stems from an incident in July when the United States deported five convicted felons from Vietnam, Jamaica, Laos, Cuba and Yemen to Eswatini. Authorities confirmed that the men are being kept in solitary confinement while awaiting repatriation.
The applicants argue that the arrangement between Mbabane and Washington was unconstitutional because it was never presented before parliament and its terms remain undisclosed. They further raised concerns over the well-being of the deportees, stating that no independent body has been allowed to see them.
“We want the executive to be held accountable, we want transparency on matters of state importance and respect for the rights of all individuals in Eswatini, regardless of their background,” said lawyer and lead applicant Mzwandile Masuku outside court.
Government has previously maintained that the men do not pose a threat and that the arrangement was based on diplomatic relations with Washington.
The International Organization for Migration confirmed it received a request from Eswatini to provide post-arrival assistance for the deportees but has not indicated whether it will intervene.
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