Eswatini has for the first time confirmed receiving $5.1 million from the United States in return for accepting third-country deportees, sparking criticism from human rights groups. The kingdom, led by King Mswati III, has faced legal challenges over the secretive deal, which opponents argue is unconstitutional. Details of the arrangement, made with the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump, remain largely undisclosed. Finance officials said the funds were transferred to the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) account but have not yet been released for use, pending government authorization.
Washington has sent at least 15 deportees to Eswatini so far, with the agreement reportedly allowing up to 160 arrivals. One individual has already been repatriated to Jamaica, while the remainder remain in detention. Civil society groups and human rights lawyers have filed court actions challenging both the legality of the detentions and the secrecy surrounding the agreement. Eswatini is among several African countries participating in Trump-era deportation initiatives, which have drawn international scrutiny for their humanitarian implications.
