Eswatini Becomes 'Dumping Ground' for US Violent Criminals

Eswatini Confirms Secret Transfer of US Deportees, Including Convicted Murderers and Rapists

Mbabane – The Eswatini government has confirmed the controversial arrival of five violent criminals deported from the United States, sparking outrage over transparency, safety, and the country’s role in a secretive global relocation program. According to officials, the offenders — convicted murderers and child rapists originally from Vietnam, Jamaica, Laos, Cuba, and Yemen — are now being held in isolated cells at Matsapa Maximum Security Prison. Authorities have withheld their names and the full details of their crimes, citing “security reasons.”

READ: The Shadowy World of Third-Country Criminal Deportations

Secretive Deal Raises Transparency Concerns

Investigative journalist Becky Makhubu has revealed that the transfer was coordinated directly through Prime Minister Russell Dlamini’s office, bypassing both parliamentary oversight and most cabinet members. “When a superpower like the US says they’re too scared to keep these offenders, how can we feel safe?” Makhubu asked, echoing growing fears among Eswatini citizens.

Tied to US–Eswatini Negotiations

Reports indicate the deportation took place under a little-known “third country transfer scheme,” allegedly brokered during meetings between Eswatini officials and US Senator Marco Rubio.

Critics claim the arrangement may include financial compensation, drawing comparisons to Trump-era relocation policies that offered payments to nations willing to accept deportees rejected by America.

READ: Security Fears Grow as Deported Criminals Could Flood Southern Africa

Public Outcry and Security Fears

The revelation has fueled heated debate in Eswatini, with human rights groups warning that such agreements undermine sovereignty and place citizens at risk. Legal experts argue the secrecy violates democratic accountability and sets a dangerous precedent for international relations.

For now, Eswatini’s government maintains that the transfers were handled “in line with security protocols.” But with details hidden and public confidence shaken, the controversy shows no signs of fading.