US pays Eswatini $5.1 million to accept deported migrants

The United States administration has paid the Kingdom of Eswatini $5.1 million to accept migrants it has deported, according to an announcement made by the Eswatini government. This financial arrangement falls under the US "Third Country Agreement" program and involves the eventual transfer of 160 individuals. An initial group of 15 deported migrants has already been sent to the southern African nation.

Minister Confirms Financial Deal

Eswatini's Finance Minister, Neal Rijkenberg, disclosed the agreement in parliament, confirming the receipt of funds in exchange for accepting the migrants. Minister Rijkenberg stated that discussions regarding the transparency of the process are being considered within the government. Reports from local media indicate the agreement will see a total of 160 people relocated from the US to Eswatini.

Detention and Planned Deportation

According to local press coverage, the migrants sent from the US are being held separately from other inmates at the high-security Matsabha Prison in the capital city, Mbabane. The reported plan for these individuals is not to remain in Eswatini but to be subsequently deported to their countries of origin, raising further questions about the purpose and logistics of the transfer.

A Controversial US Policy

This is not an isolated case. The Trump administration's "third country agreement" strategy has previously seen other African nations like Rwanda, Uganda, and South Sudan accept migrants deported from the US. The policy is a point of contention, with migrant rights defenders arguing it violates international law and jeopardizes the safety of asylum seekers by sending them to nations where they may have no ties.