U.S. deports 10 individuals to Eswatini

Photo: Matsapha Correctional Complex in Matsapha, Eswatini. AP

The United States has deported ten individuals to Eswatini, defying legal challenges by rights groups seeking to block the move.

The AFP news agency reports that Eswatini is the second African country to receive deportees from the U.S., following South Sudan. Rights experts have warned that such deportations may violate international law by returning people to countries where they risk torture, abduction, or other abuses.

Activists in Eswatini had filed an urgent court application to stop the deportations, citing human rights concerns, but the U.S. proceeded with the removals last week.

Human rights organisations have condemned the action, accusing Washington of breaching its international obligations. Eswatini authorities have not yet commented on the arrival of the deportees.