‘They pose no security threat’

Eswatini awaits new group of convicted criminals from US: ‘They pose no security threat’

Mapaballo Borotho

Eswatini will receive 11 more convicted criminals from the United States in October 2025, following a previous group received in August.
Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli said they will be securely held away from the public while arrangements for their repatriation are finalised.
The government assured that the group poses no security threat to Eswatini or neighbouring countries.

The Kingdom of Eswatini is set to receive eleven more convicted criminals from the United States this month. This was confirmed by the government of Eswatini in a statement on Sunday.

“The government wishes to inform the nation that the Kingdom of Eswatini will receive 11 third-country nationals from the United States of America during the month of October 2025,” the statement read.

This move has previously raised concerns in the Southern African region regarding regional security and protocols. Others also cited that Eswatini is closer to South Africa, and this might pose a risk to security in the neighbouring country.

In August, the kingdom received a batch of five convicted criminals from the US.

Acting Government Spokesperson in Eswatini, Thabile Mdluli, said the group of 11 criminals will be kept secured in a separate area from the public while arrangements are made for their return to their countries of origin.

“The Government will work with the relevant countries of origin of these nationals and relevant organisations for migration to facilitate their reintegration with their families and countries of origin,” she said.

“Two others are expected to be repatriated soon, building on the experience of the successful repatriation of one third-country national in September 2025. His Majesty is grateful to have collaborated with the Government of Jamaica to unite this individual with his own people.”

Mdluli further assured that these convicted criminals pose no security threat to the nation and neighbouring countries.