The Kingdom of Eswatini has confirmed for the first time it received a financial transfer from the United States government. The nation received $5.1 million in exchange for accepting deportees sent from the U.S.
The kingdom, led by absolute monarch King Mswati III, has faced significant backlash from various human rights organizations for striking this controversial deal with President Donald Trump’s administration.
Funds Received Amidst Legal Challenges
Details regarding the agreement remain undisclosed. This secrecy led human rights lawyers within Eswatini to initiate court action. They argue the secretive pact violates the nation’s constitution.
The Finance Minister confirmed on Tuesday that authorities channeled the funds into the account of the country’s National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA). However, the NDMA is currently prohibited from utilizing the money. The government has not formally allocated it. Consequently, officials still need to regularize the payment.
Eswatini is one of several African nations that agreed to accept deportees. This agreement is part of the U.S. administration’s policy to aggressively reduce irregular immigration.
Status of Deportees
The U.S. has sent at least 15 individuals to Eswatini under the terms of the agreement. The pact reportedly allows for the arrival of up to 160 deportees.
One deportee has since been repatriated to his country of origin, Jamaica. However, the remaining deportees are being held in detention facilities. Lawyers and civil society groups in Eswatini have challenged the legality of these detentions through the national court system.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
London Mayor Celebrates Nigerian Creator’s TikTok UK Win
Armenian Dram
Ghana Cedi
Gambian Dalasi
Guinea Franc
Nigerian Naira
CFA Franc BEAC
