Pretoria warned that the arrival of these individuals, many convicted of violent crimes, poses a significant risk to South Africa’s national security, particularly due to the geographical proximity and porous borders shared by the two nations.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) confirmed on Tuesday that it had formally communicated its concerns to the Eswatini government regarding the profile of the deportees and the potential security implications for South Africa.
SA summons Eswatini officials
In a further diplomatic step, the South African government summoned Eswatini’s High Commissioner to Pretoria to convey its objections directly, citing fears that the relocation of hardened criminals from the U.S. to a neighboring state could have unintended spillover effects.
Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for Minister of International Relations – Ronald Lamola, referenced a prior statement from Eswatini and U.S. officials, which indicated plans to collaborate with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to eventually repatriate the deportees to their countries of origin.
“South Africa is deeply concerned about the profile of these individuals and the potential adverse impact on South Africa’s national security and immigration policy, given the geographical proximity between the two sisterly countries,” Phiri stated.
“While respecting the sovereign decision of the government of Eswatini, the government of South Africa is deeply concerned about the profile of these individuals and the potential adverse impact on South Africa’s national security and immigration policy, given the geographical proximity between the two sisterly countries,” he added.
Eswatini denies fresh deportations
Fresh fears escalated following reports that the U.S. plans to deport an additional 150 criminals to Eswatini as part of the agreement.
According to SowetanLive, sources revealed that Eswatini’s representatives informed the South African government they were unaware of any plans to accept a larger influx of hardened criminals from the United States.
The Eswatini delegation reportedly expressed doubts about the country’s capacity to host such a significant number of deportees.
“If it was just five criminals, it wouldn’t be a big deal. But 150 is a lot,” said a source familiar with the discussions, highlighting concerns over the logistical and security implications of accommodating such a group.
