Outrage After King Mswati is Accused of Securing R10 Billion US Deal to House Dangerous Criminals
King Mswati III of eSwatini is facing mounting criticism after reports surfaced that his kingdom has accepted a R10 billion ($500 million) deal with the United States to house dangerous deported criminals.
The move has raised alarm across the Southern African Development Community (SADC), with critics warning of potential security threats to the region.
Also Read: Outrage as Eswatini Agrees to Host US’s Most Dangerous Criminals and Terror Suspects
Allegations of Secret Agreement
According to The Swaziland News, supported by reports from The New York Times and other outlets, the controversial deal was signed by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini without consulting Parliament, Cabinet, or the Office of the Attorney General.
The arrangement would see eSwatini detain individuals deported from the U.S., including criminals convicted of violent crimes such as murder and sexual assault.
First Deportees Already Arrived
Five deportees reportedly arrived in July 2025 under the agreement, initially described as a short-term detention arrangement. However, documents suggest that eSwatini could eventually host up to 150 individuals, with additional payments exceeding $10 million promised for expanded capacity.
Civil Society and Regional Concerns
The Swaziland Solidarity Network has condemned the deal, describing it as “human trafficking disguised as deportation.”
Opposition leaders in eSwatini have also warned that the kingdom’s limited resources could be strained by the presence of high-risk detainees.
In South Africa, Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola, through DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri, expressed concern over the potential risks to South Africa’s national security, citing porous borders that could allow escapees to filter into neighboring countries.
Here are some of the reactions;
@Eliz_abeth25;
King Mswati has no morals.. he’ll do anything for money..
@IAMANEFF;
when a leader is hungry, the nation suffers
@mzimela_melisiz
Udayisa ngezwe lobabokhulu bakhe.
@ndumnyandu;
He doesn’t care about his people, he knows he won’t be affected by those criminals they will be someone else’s problem. All he wants is money 😩😩😩
@SAupwards;
What’s going on with our fellow black leaders they chase the bag while endangering the lives of their people