Latest news with #MswatiIII
Los Angeles Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
What to know about the African kingdom of Eswatini, where U.S. has sent deportees
CAPE TOWN, South Africa — The United States has deported five immigrants from Vietnam, Jamaica, Cuba, Yemen and Laos to Eswatini, a small country in southern Africa where the king still holds absolute power. Eswatini says it is holding the men in correctional facilities until they can be sent to their home countries, after it became the latest nation to accept third-country deportees from the U.S. Here's what to know about Eswatini: Eswatini is one of a few countries that are still absolute monarchies, and the only one in Africa. That means the king has absolute power over government and is not just a figurehead or a ceremonial ruler. King Mswati III has ruled Eswatini since 1986, when he turned 18 and was allowed to take his place as the monarch. He can make decisions by decree. He succeeded his father, Sobhuza II, who died in 1982. The 57-year-old Mswati III has long been criticized for ruling over a government that suppresses political dissent while he lives a lavish lifestyle in one of the poorest countries in the world. The king is reported to have 11 wives and has been the subject of scrutiny for buying luxury cars. His wealth has been estimated at between $200 million and $500 million, while the World Bank says more than half of Eswatini's 1.2 million people live on less than $4 a day. Political parties were banned by Sobhuza II in 1973. Some exist now, but they are not allowed to play any role in elections or the political process and have been reduced to civic society groups. Candidates seeking public office in Eswatini's Parliament or Senate have to stand as individuals without any party affiliation and are generally approved by traditional leaders loyal to Mswati III. Pro-democracy protests have grown in recent years and Eswatini authorities under Mswati III have been accused of crushing them using the security forces. Many dissidents live in exile. The country was previously known as Swaziland but changed to Eswatini in 2018 after the king announced it should revert to its traditional name in the Swazi language. It was Swaziland when it was under British colonial rule, which ended in 1968. Eswatini has been severely affected by HIV and has the highest prevalence in the world, with an estimated 26% of the adult population HIV-positive, according to the United Nations AIDS agency. It has made significant progress in confronting that scourge but has been highly reliant on foreign aid to do that, including assistance from the U.S., which has now been cut by the Trump administration. Imray writes for the Associated Press.
Economic Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Economic Times
A poor, underdeveloped country with a population less than Dallas is giving Trump massive headache with illegal migrants
Synopsis Eswatini, a small African kingdom, has reversed its decision to accept five migrants deported by the United States. Initially agreeing to President Trump's conditions, Eswatini will now facilitate the return of migrants to their home countries, including Vietnam, Jamaica, and Cuba. This decision follows concerns about human rights and accusations of exploitation, sparking condemnation from opposition groups. AP FILE - Eswatini's King Mswati III addresses the Climate Action Summit in the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters, Sept. 23, 2019. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow, File) The tiny African kingdom of Eswatini announced Wednesday (July 16, 2025) that it would repatriate the five migrants who had been deported there by the United States. This development comes as a big issue for the Trump administration, as the African nation, which has a population less than many US cities, including Dallas, initially agreed to US President Donald Trump's conditions and was ready to accept the illegal immigrants, but now it is saying that these migrants will be sent back to their country of Africa's 39th largest economy, has a population less than that of Dallas. Its population size is 1.2 million people, while Dallas has a population of over 1.3 million. American officials said on Tuesday (July 15, 2025) that the migrants' home countries had refused to accept them. The migrants came from Vietnam, Jamaica, Laos, Yemen, and Cuba and had been serving time in American prisons for serious offenses, according to the Department of Homeland government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli said in a statement Wednesday that the governments of her country and the United States, together with the International Organization for Migration, will "facilitate the transit of these inmates to their countries of origin."The International Organization for Migration said that it had no involvement in the removal of the migrants from the United States and had not been asked to provide any support with repatriation. The Trump administration has worked aggressively to broker deals with international partners willing to take deportees. Legal experts have challenged the deportations because the migrants could be subject to mistreatment and the Supreme Court decision, immigration officials acted quickly to implement new regulations that allow the government to carry out third-country deportations in as little as six hours, even without assurances that the migrants will be safe. Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is tucked between South Africa and Mozambique and has one of Africa's last ruling monarchies. The kingdom is divided between those who praise its adherence to tradition and those who argue that the lavish lifestyle of King Mswati III stands in painful contrast to the poverty afflicting many of the country's 1.2 million to World Eswatini's GDP forecast is $5 billion in 2024 and $4.8 billion projected for 2025 (current market prices). This Eswatini GDP growth forecast for 2024 and 2025 reflects an estimated growth rate of 4.2%.The economy of Eswatini has grown at an average annual growth rate of 2.8% in the last four years and is ranked the 39th largest economy in Africa, ahead of Dallas, there are also several other US cities that have a population greater than Eswatini. These include New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Miami, among others. Eswatini's economy is driven mainly by the services sector, which makes up over half of the country's economic output. Manufacturing, especially sugar production, along with agriculture, mining, and construction, also plays big roles. Eswatini depends heavily on South Africa for both trade and imports, with about 65% of exports and 75% of imports linked to its citizens of Eswatini and foreign governments have also raised concerns about the country's human rights record, accusing the government of using excessive, sometimes lethal, force against people who oppose the king. Those opposed to the monarchy were quick to condemn the arrival of the deportees."This is appalling," said Lioness Sibande, the secretary-general of the Swaziland Peoples Liberation Movement, an opposition group. She described the move as an example of the West's long history of exploiting African nations. "The West is always disrespecting us as Africans and thinking we are their dumpsite," she her statement, Mdluli, the government spokesperson, sought to temper the concerns of Eswatini citizens. She said the deportees were being held in isolation units at correctional decision to take migrants from the United States came after months of talks that included "rigorous risk assessments and careful consideration for the safety and security of citizens," she said. "The nation is assured that these inmates pose no threat to the country or its citizens." Mdluli added that she could not reveal what Eswatini received in return for taking the migrants because the terms of the agreement with the United States remain classified.
NDTV
5 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
The African Kingdom Of Eswatini, Where US Is Sending Third-Country Deportees
Cape Town: The United States has deported five immigrants from Vietnam, Jamaica, Cuba, Yemen and Laos, to Eswatini, a small country in southern Africa where the king still holds absolute power. Eswatini says it is holding the men in correctional facilities until they can be sent to their home countries, after it became the latest nation to accept third-country deportees from the US. Here's what to know about Eswatini: The King Rules Supreme Eswatini is one of a handful of countries that are still absolute monarchies, and the only one in Africa. That means the king has absolute power over government and is not just a figurehead or a ceremonial ruler. King Mswati III has ruled Eswatini since 1986, when he turned 18 and was allowed to take his place as the monarch. He can make decisions by decree. He succeeded his father, Sobhuza II, who died in 1982. The 57-year-old Mswati III has long been criticised for ruling over a government that suppresses political dissent while he lives a lavish lifestyle in one of the poorest countries in the world. The king is reported to have 11 wives and has been the subject of scrutiny for buying luxury cars. His wealth has been estimated at between $200 million and $500 million, while the World Bank says more than half of Eswatini's 1.2 million people live on less than $4 a day. No Political Parties Political parties were banned by Sobhuza II in 1973. Some exist now, but they are not allowed to play any role in elections or the political process and have been reduced to civic society groups. Candidates seeking public office in Eswatini's Parliament or Senate have to stand as individuals without any party affiliation and are generally approved by traditional leaders loyal to Mswati III. Pro-democracy protests have grown in recent years and Eswatini authorities under Mswati III have been accused of crushing them using the security forces. Many dissidents live in exile. Previously Swaziland The country was previously known as Swaziland but changed to Eswatini in 2018 after the king announced it should revert to its traditional name in the Swazi language. It was Swaziland when it was under British colonial rule, which ended in 1968. Severely Affected By HIV Eswatini has been severely affected by HIV and has the highest prevalence in the world, with an estimated 26% of the adult population HIV positive, according to the United Nations AIDS agency. It has made significant progress in confronting that scourge but has been highly reliant on foreign aid to do that, including assistance from the US, which has now been cut by the Trump administration.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Not a joke — deported to where?! US sends immigrants from Cuba and Jamaica to African Nation Eswatini
The U.S. sent 5 deported immigrants to Eswatini , a small country in southern Africa. The men are originally from Vietnam, Jamaica, Cuba, Yemen, and Laos. They were sent because their own countries refused to take them back. All five had serious criminal records like murder, child rape, and one was a confirmed gang member. The U.S. called them "uniquely barbaric" and said they were terrorizing communities in America. Their mugshots and charges were shared on social media, but their names were not revealed, as per the report by AP News. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Data Science Product Management Technology Artificial Intelligence Public Policy Operations Management healthcare Data Analytics others Healthcare Design Thinking Cybersecurity Digital Marketing CXO MBA Management Data Science Project Management PGDM Others MCA Degree Leadership Finance Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIT Madras CERT-IITM Advanced Cert Prog in AI and ML India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 30 Weeks IIM Kozhikode SEPO - IIMK-AI for Senior Executives India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months E&ICT Academy, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati CERT-IITG Prof Cert in DS & BA with GenAI India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months E&ICT Academy, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati CERT-IITG Postgraduate Cert in AI and ML India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK DABS India Starts on undefined Get Details Where were they sent — and why Eswatini? Eswatini, formerly Swaziland, is a tiny kingdom between South Africa and Mozambique. It's Africa's last absolute monarchy, ruled by King Mswati III since 1986. The U.S. and Eswatini worked together for months before sending the men there, as per the reports. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Barefoot Shoe Has Seniors Walking Off the Weight Barefoot Vitality Learn More Undo ALSO READ: Terminal mom refuses to let kids watch her suffer — starves herself to death in final act of love Eswatini said they are keeping the men in isolation inside unnamed prisons. They called them "inmates" and "prisoners" in transit, meaning they're not staying permanently. Eswatini and the UN migration agency will help send them back to their home countries later. No exact date was given for when this will happen, , as per the reports. Live Events Why is this so controversial? The U.S. Supreme Court recently allowed deporting people to countries where they have no personal ties. Before this, the U.S. had also deported 8 men to South Sudan, another African nation, according to the report AP News. The South Sudanese government didn't say what happened to those 8 men after they arrived. The Trump administration is quietly expanding third-country deportation deals, especially in Africa, as per the reports. Rights groups like Amnesty International say Eswatini is not safe, with human rights abuses, torture, and bad prison conditions. The U.S. government's own 2023 report said Eswatini had killings by police and impunity for abuses, as stated by AP News. ALSO READ: Kremlin issues stark nuclear warning after Trump sends weapons to Ukraine that can strike deep inside Russia Vietnam, Cuba, Yemen, and Jamaica have been resistant in the past to accepting deported citizens — especially criminals. Nigeria rejected U.S. pressure to accept non-citizen deportees. Rwanda is talking to the U.S. about maybe accepting deportees too. The UK tried a similar deportation plan to Rwanda in 2022, but their Supreme Court shut it down, according to the report by AP News. What's in It for Africa? Experts think some African countries may accept deportees in exchange for better trade deals, aid, or visa talks with the U.S. One South Sudan civil leader said his country is 'not a dumping ground for criminals', as per reports. The U.S. is now sending foreign criminals to third countries like Eswatini when their own nations refuse to take them back. Rights groups are warning these deportations could lead to human rights abuses. The Trump admin is looking for more countries willing to make similar secret deals, as mentioned in the report by AP News. FAQs Q1. Why did the U.S. deport criminals to Eswatini? Their home countries wouldn't take them back, so they were sent to a third country. Q2. Is Eswatini safe for deported immigrants? Rights groups say it's risky due to abuse, poor prisons, and lack of freedoms.
6 days ago
- Politics
What to know about the African kingdom of Eswatini where the US sent 5 deportees
CAPE TOWN, South Africa -- The United States has deported five immigrants from Vietnam, Jamaica, Cuba, Yemen and Laos to Eswatini, a small country in southern Africa where the king still holds absolute power. Eswatini says it is holding the men in correctional facilities until they can be sent to their home countries, after it became the latest nation to accept third-country deportees from the U.S. Here's what to know about Eswatini: Eswatini is one of a handful of countries that are still absolute monarchies, and the only one in Africa. That means the king has absolute power over government and is not just a figurehead or a ceremonial ruler. King Mswati III has ruled Eswatini since 1986, when he turned 18 and was allowed to take his place as the monarch. He can make decisions by decree. He succeeded his father, Sobhuza II, who died in 1982. The 57-year-old Mswati III has long been criticized for ruling over a government that suppresses political dissent while he lives a lavish lifestyle in one of the poorest countries in the world. The king is reported to have 11 wives and has been the subject of scrutiny for buying luxury cars. His wealth has been estimated at between $200 million and $500 million, while the World Bank says more than half of Eswatini's 1.2 million people live on less than $4 a day. Political parties were banned by Sobhuza II in 1973. Some exist now, but they are not allowed to play any role in elections or the political process and have been reduced to civic society groups. Candidates seeking public office in Eswatini's Parliament or Senate have to stand as individuals without any party affiliation and are generally approved by traditional leaders loyal to Mswati III. Pro-democracy protests have grown in recent years and Eswatini authorities under Mswati III have been accused of crushing them using the security forces. Many dissidents live in exile. The country was previously known as Swaziland but changed to Eswatini in 2018 after the king announced it should revert to its traditional name in the Swazi language. It was Swaziland when it was under British colonial rule, which ended in 1968. Eswatini has been severely affected by HIV and has the highest prevalence in the world, with an estimated 26% of the adult population HIV positive, according to the United Nations AIDS agency. It has made significant progress in confronting that scourge but has been highly reliant on foreign aid to do that, including assistance from the U.S., which has now been cut by the Trump administration.
