BORDER CROSSINGS: Eswatini repatriation of US deportees raises concerns
Eswatini has repatriated 10 of its 31 deportees from the US, probably through South Africa, and there are rumours that they were released through informal border crossings.
In October 2026, Eswatini repatriated 10 out of the 31 deportees it has sent from the US since 2025, possibly through South Africa, according to reports. However, both Eswatini and South Africa deny claims that they were repatriating US deportees through informal border crossings. The 10 deported individuals, some of whom have criminal records, are part of the 31 people deported to Eswatini from the US since 2025.
The Eswatini government stated that the repatriation process was conducted safely and in accordance with the law, and that they were working closely with international and national stakeholders to ensure orderly and dignified repatriations. South African Border Management Authority dismissed rumors of deportees entering South Africa through informal border crossings and emphasized that their land ports of entry with Eswatini are secured.
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