Eswatini Court Case Postponed Over US Deportee Acceptance

Human rights lawyers and activists in Eswatini have initiated a legal challenge against the government for entering into a secretive agreement with President Donald Trump's administration to accept third-country deportees from the United States, which they argue is unconstitutional due to lack of parliamentary approval and non-disclosure of terms. The case, originally scheduled for a High Court hearing, was postponed until September 25 after the government failed to file response papers. The U.S. deported five convicted felons from various countries to Eswatini, where they are being held in solitary confinement, raising concerns about their welfare and transparency. Eswatini's Attorney General dismissed the legal action as frivolous, while the government defends the agreement as a reflection of good diplomatic relations with Washington and maintains the deportees pose no threat. The International Organization for Migration has been requested to provide post-arrival assistance but has not confirmed its involvement. Advocates emphasize the need for executive accountability, transparency, and respect for the rights of all individuals in Eswatini, highlighting broader regional concerns about African nations being used as destinations for deportees.