Eswatini's $5.1M Immigration Deal: The Controversial Pact with the U.S.

Eswatini received $5.1 million from the U.S. to accept third-country deportees under an agreement criticized for its secrecy. The deal, part of Trump's immigration policy, is under scrutiny by human rights lawyers. The funds are for enhancing border management, but the agreement's details remain undisclosed.

Eswatini has received $5.1 million from the U.S. government as part of an agreement to accept third-country nationals deported under the Trump administration's immigration policies, according to the country's finance minister.

This arrangement is part of a broader initiative involving several African nations, including South Sudan, Ghana, and Rwanda. These countries have agreed to take in deportees in exchange for U.S. financial assistance. However, the specific details of these agreements remain largely undisclosed, prompting legal challenges from human rights groups who deem the clandestine deals unconstitutional.

Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg confirmed the financial receipt but noted he was unaware of the full details, handled directly by the prime minister. An unverified copy of the contract suggests Eswatini would enhance its border management in exchange for accepting deportees, yet both U.S. and Eswatini governments have refrained from commenting. The U.S. has deported at least 15 individuals from countries such as Vietnam and Cuba to Eswatini, raising concerns about their conditions since arrival.

(With inputs from agencies.)