U.S. deportation to Africa alarms rights advocates and African leaders

A recent U.S. deportation of five convicted foreign nationals to the African kingdom of Eswatini has ignited outrage among human rights groups and African leaders.

The individuals — originally from Vietnam,Jamaica,Cuba,Yemen,and Laos — were expelled after their home countries refused to accept them. All five have serious criminal convictions,including murder and child rape. The Trump administration,pursuing an aggressive deportation agenda,used Eswatini as a third-country destination under a quiet bilateral arrangement. Described by U.S. officials as “uniquely barbaric,” the deportees are now being held in isolated prisons in Eswatini,which claims they are ‘inmates in transit’ awaiting further repatriation. “The Kingdom of Eswatini and the United States of America have enjoyed fruitful bilateral relations spanning over five decades,” according to a statement by the Eswatini government.

African leaders have expressed unease and cautious skepticism. Aside from South Sudan,which previously received eight deportees,most countries have rebuffed similar U.S. proposals. South Sudan is “not a dumping ground for criminals,” said one South Sudanese civil leader. The controversial practice stems from a U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowing deportations to nations where individuals have no legal or familial ties. Critics,including Amnesty International,warn it could expose deportees to torture or inhumane conditions,particularly in countries like Eswatini,known for repression and poor prison standards. Despite claiming to uphold human rights,Eswatini’s record — marked by political crackdowns and systemic abuse — raises serious questions about the ethics and legality of this expanding U.S. policy.