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The Kingdom of Eswatini has sharply criticized civil society organizations for condemning the deportation of migrants from the United States under a “safe third country” agreement, labeling their claims as inaccurate and misleading.
Speaking at the 85th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) in Banjul, Eswatini’s representative to Ethiopia, Ambassador Mahlaba Ali Mamba, accused some NGOs of forming opinions “without firsthand engagement or presence in the country.”
The Trump administration earlier this year signed similar migration deals with Eswatini, Ghana, and South Sudan, allowing the return of undocumented migrants to these nations—a move that drew strong backlash from human rights groups.
Ambassador Mamba reaffirmed Eswatini’s dedication to transparency, dialogue, and cooperation with legitimate human rights institutions, while asserting the nation’s sovereign right to enter such agreements. He also clarified that only 14 deportees had been received, contradicting higher figures reported by NGOs.
Controversy surrounding the policy deepened after reports of Gambian and Nigerian nationals being deported to Ghana, prompting regional diplomats to demand explanations and decrying the lack of consultation. Human rights advocates argue that these agreements undermine due process and embolden restrictive U.S. immigration measures.
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In response to the growing tensions, Dr. Joseph Whittal, Chairperson of the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI), urged African human rights defenders to unite in ensuring that the continent’s development remains grounded in human rights principles. He emphasized the role of national institutions in upholding justice, monitoring state compliance, and protecting vulnerable communities.
