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The government of Eswatini has confirmed the arrival of four additional men deported from the United States under a controversial third-country expulsion programme.
This group, consisting of individuals from Somalia, Tanzania, and Sudan, arrived at the Matsapha Correctional Centre on Wednesday.
Local officials report that the men are in good health and are currently undergoing orientation with social welfare and health departments while awaiting repatriation to their home countries.
This latest arrival is part of a broader agreement in which Eswatini, Africa’s last absolute monarchy, agreed to take in roughly 160 deportees in exchange for $5.1 million in US funding.
Government Statement: Government announces arrival of four third country nationals as part of agreement with US Government. pic.twitter.com/VaMJi8jQxo
— Eswatini Government (@EswatiniGovern1) March 12, 2026
These funds are designated to bolster the kingdom’s border and migration management capabilities.
Since last year, the country has received 15 men under this arrangement, with the Matsapha facility reportedly preparing for approximately 140 more.
The scheme has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organisations and legal experts.
In Eswatini, civil society groups and lawyers have launched court challenges against the government, arguing that these individuals are being detained indefinitely without charge.
While the government insists it is merely holding the men until their home countries agree to take them, rights groups have expressed deep concern over the legality and ethics of such “third-country” deportation deals.
