JOHANNESBURG, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Eswatini government has confirmed the arrival of 10 convicted criminals deported from the United States, who are now being held in the country's correctional facilities.
This marks the second such deportation, following an earlier batch of criminals who had been convicted of serious crimes such as murder and rape, in July that drew criticism from neighboring South Africa over potential security risks due to the countries' geographical proximity.
In a statement released on Monday, His Majesty's Correctional Services (HMCS) announced that 10 individuals, who were unwanted by the United States and their countries of origin, arrived on Monday and are being securely accommodated under strict supervision.
"Government continues to collaborate with relevant local and international stakeholders to facilitate their orderly repatriation. In line with established correctional procedures and protocols, HMCS will continue to implement strict security measures to ensure the safety of both members of the public and all inmates who are admitted within our facilities, including the nationals," the statement said.
As the statement said the government is working "with relevant local and international stakeholders to facilitate their orderly repatriation," the reference to repatriation is unclear, as the individuals' countries of origin have reportedly refused to accept them, which is why the United States deported them to Eswatini instead.
The Eswatini government emphasized that the criminals pose no immediate threat to public safety and are undergoing standard admission procedures. "We further reiterate the government's assurance that the individuals pose no immediate threat to public safety, as they remain under strict supervision and care within the department's facilities," the statement added.
An expert said South Africa could raise its security concerns with regional and continental bodies, provided it can demonstrate valid reasons and interests.
"The issue can be raised with the Southern African Development Community and the African Union to the extent that South Africa has a valid interest that it wants to protect. As long as it does not undermine Eswatini's sovereignty," said independent analyst Sandile Swana. Enitem