by SAMBULO DLAMINI
MBABANE – ESWATINI has assured its citizens of their safety after the arrival of five third-country deportees from the United States.
The government said these individuals that served for serious crimes posed no security threat to the nation.
Thabile Mdluli, Acting government spokesperson, explained these deportees were on transit and would be repatriated to their respective countries.
She however conceded that the government acknowledged the security concerns of emaSwati.
Mdluli nonetheless explained the individuals were housed in Correctional facilities within isolated units.
“The Nation is assured that these inmates pose no threat to the country or its citizens,” she stated late Wednesday.
Mdluli said the exercise culminating in the arrival of the deportees was a result of months of “robust high-level engagements” between the US government and Eswatini.
“The two Governments will collaborate with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to facilitate the transit of these inmates to their countries of origin,” she said.
According to the government spokesperson, the engagements considered every avenue, including rigorous risk assessments and careful consideration for the safety and security of citizens.
She added Eswatini and the US had enjoyed fruitful bilateral relations spanning over five decades.
“As such, every agreement entered into is done with meticulous care and consideration, putting the interests of both nations at the forefront.”
Mdluli said as a responsible member of the global community, Eswatini adhered to international agreements and diplomatic protocols regarding the repatriation of individuals, ensuring that due process and respect for human rights was followed.
The US Homeland Security Department on Tuesday confirmed a deportation flight carrying immigrants from Cuba, Jamaica, Laos Vietnam and Yemen had landed in eSwatini, after the US Supreme Court lifted limits on deporting migrants to countries that are not their own.
The US has already deported eight men to South Sudan.
– CAJ News
