Swaziland Newsletter No. 889 – 8 August 2025

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 889 – 8 August 2025

News from and about Swaziland, compiled by Global Aktion, Denmark (www.globalaktion.dk) in collaboration with Swazi Media Commentary (www.swazimedia.blogspot.com), and sent to all with an interest in Swaziland - free of charge. The newsletter and past editions are also available online on the Swazi Media Commentary blogsite.

 

EU report states political situation stable in eSwatini

By Mfanukhona Nkambule, Times Sunday, 3 August 2025

SOURCE 

MBABANE: The European Union (EU) has said that the political and security situation in Eswatini remained stable in 2024.

This is despite the fact that the society is still polarised as it is still recovering after the protests of 2021.

This is contained in the 2024 EU’s Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy.

According to the report, the 2023 assassination of prominent human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko remains a topical issue.

In response to Maseko's murder, the European Parliament (EP) adopted a resolution strongly condemning the killing. The EP called for a prompt, independent, impartial, transparent and thorough investigation to uncover those responsible.

The EU report reveals that, in early December 2024, the Government of Eswatini replied to the European Parliament's concerns.

In its letter, government accused ‘communist interests overseas’ of financing and directing the violent protests that took place in 2021. However, the letter also defended Maseko, describing him as a representative of constructive political forces within Eswatini.

Government urged the members of the European Parliament and the EU as a whole to support initiatives aimed at de-escalating conflict and strengthening democracy in the country.

Despite these calls and public pressure, the EU report notes that, to date, the investigation into Maseko’s murder has not produced concrete results.

The report also refers to incarcerated former MPs Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube.

It is stated that they have been in prison since July 2021, having had three bail applications rejected.

In July 2024, the High Court handed down sentences of 25 years for Mabuza and 18 years for Dube.

The report notes that the EU expressed concern over these sentences, appealing for a fair trial and transparent appeal processes for both men.

According to the report, the EU has maintained particular interest and presence in the case. It is mentioned in the report that the union observers have been consistently present at the MPs’ court proceedings with the aim of upholding justice, the rule of law and due process.

It is noted that, despite the outward appearance of stability in 2024, Eswatini continues to experience significant polarisation within its society. It is mentioned in the report that this tension is a direct result of the aftermath of the 2021 pro-democracy protests, which shook the country and led to increased scrutiny over government’s handling of dissent and political opposition.

To read the original EU report, click here

https://www.eeas.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/2025/2024%20Human%20Rights%20and%20Democracy%20in%20the%20World%20%28country%20reports%29v1b.pdf

 

 

Lawyer says he’s not been allowed to see five immigrants deported by the US to a prison in eSwatini

By Nokukhanya Musi, AP, 1 August 2025

SOURCE 

MANZINI: Five immigrants deported by the United States to Eswatini in a secret deal last month had served their criminal sentences before they were sent to be held in a prison in the African country, a lawyer working on their cases said Friday.

The Eswatini lawyer also said the men from Cuba, Jamaica, Laos, Yemen and Vietnam sent to southern Africa under President Donald Trump’s third-country deportation program have been denied access to legal representation while being held in Eswatini’s main maximum-security prison.

The lawyer, Sibusiso Nhlabatsi, said he hasn’t been allowed to see the men and that he filed court papers Thursday against the head of Eswatini’s correctional services department and the country’s attorney general, demanding access to them.

He said he is representing them on behalf of lawyers in the U.S. and was prevented from seeing them by Eswatini prison officials on July 25. It’s unlawful for the men, who have been in Eswatini for around two weeks, to be denied access to a lawyer, he added.

The Eswatini government has said the men will be held in solitary confinement until they can be deported to their home countries, which could take up to a year.

“They have served their sentences,” Nhlabatsi told The Associated Press. “If a person has committed a crime and they have served a sentence, why are you then keeping them in a prison?”

Nhlabatsi said the men have not been able to communicate with their families or receive visitors since arriving in Eswatini, although prison officials said they were in the process of setting up devices to allow them to speak with their families.

To read more of this report, click here

https://apnews.com/article/us-trump-deported-immigrants-eswatini-90334f4c29151888a240fc63f560a3c4

 

South Africa confronts eSwatini over dangerous US prisoners transfer

By Herman Moloi, Sowetan Live (South Africa), 6 August 2025

SOURCE 

The SA government has raised alarm about the arrival of a group of dangerous criminals of various nationalities who were deported from the US to Eswatini.

The department of international relations & co-operation (Dirco) said on Tuesday it had raised concerns with the Kingdom of Eswatini about the profile of the individuals and the potential adverse impact on SA’s national security.

The statement came on the back of President Donald Trump implementing punitive 30% tariffs on all SA exports to US. The tariffs regime has sparked fears of job losses in the agricultural sector, with government set to announce measures to support the affected SA companies to look for alternative markets.

On Monday, the government summoned Eswatini high commissioner to SA to express the country’s concern about its accepting of hardened criminals from the US. The move was prompted by reports that about 150 additional criminals were set to be sent to Eswatini by the US.

To read more of this report, click here

https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/2025-08-06-sa-confronts-eswatini-over-dangerous-us-prisoners-transfer/

 

See also

King Mswati under pressure from SADC countries including neighboring South Africa for allowing United States to dump extremely dangerous criminals in eSwatini, regional security under threat (Swaziland News)

https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=9668

 

Measles Rubella campaign launched

By Brian Mabuza. eSwatini Observer, 5 August 2025

SOURCE 

The ministry of health has launched a nationwide Measles and Rubella Vaccination Campaign aimed at protecting all children between the ages of 9 to 59 months from vaccine-preventable diseases.

The official launch was held at Moti Clinic under Kholwane Umphakatsi yesterday with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF Eswatini, and World Vision.

The campaign, which will run until 15 August, is set to reach children across all regions, including remote and hard to reach areas.

Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Khanyakwezwe Mabuza, highlighted that the campaign is a critical step in fighting the spread of measles and rubella in Eswatini. He said the country has managed to maintain zero cases in recent years, and the campaign will help sustain this success and further reduce the risk of future outbreaks.

“This is a strategy to reduce the risk of deaths caused by measles and rubella. In 2011 alone, global cases were estimated at 9.7-million, with over 150 000 deaths. We need to immunise our population to prevent such devastation,” Mabuza said.

WHO Representative Dr Susan Tembo emphasised the importance of the campaign, calling it a symbol of national commitment and unity in protecting children’s health.
“Measles is one of the most contagious diseases and can cause lifelong complications or even death if left untreated. Yet it is entirely preventable through vaccination,” she stated.

She applauded the ministry for integrating routine immunisation services into the campaign, including polio vaccines, Vitamin A supplements, and deworming treatments.
The campaign aims to vaccinate all children from 9 to 59 months, regardless of prior vaccination status. Health workers will also identify zero-dose and partially vaccinated children to close immunity gaps.

According to WHO, two doses of the MR vaccine are necessary to achieve adequate protection, as the first dose may not generate full immunity in up to 15% of children.

To read more of this report, click here

https://eswatiniobserver.com/measles-rubella-campaign-launched/

 

Mothers with their children for the first round of vaccination

See also

Clinic runs out of measles vaccine (eSwatini Observer)

https://eswatiniobserver.com/clinic-runs-out-of-measles-vaccine/

 

Prime Minister threatens to arrest vocal Mayiwane lawmaker for questioning absence of Cabinet Ministers during his National Development Plan launch

By Musa Mdluli, Swaziland News, 7 August 2025

SOURCE 

MBABANE: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has threatened to arrest Mayiwane Member of Parliament (MP) Sicelo ‘KhungaNkhosi’ Dlamini for questioning the absence of Cabinet Ministers during the launch of his Grand Plan for Transformation at the Pigg’s Peak Hotel this week.

This comes after a majority of Cabinet Ministers boycotted the launch of the PM’s development plan after he sidelined them when compiling it, the Prime Minister is currently leading a divided Cabinet and might face a Parliament vote of no confidence.

Reached for comments by this Swaziland News, the Mayiwane MP confirmed receiving a warning from the police shortly after questioning the Prime Minister regarding the absence of the Cabinet Ministers.

“I asked the PM to explain the absence of other Cabinet Ministers, we can’t be launching a national development plan without Cabinet Ministers. But a few hours later, I received a call from the police warning me that the Prime Minister was not happy when I questioned him”, said the Mayiwane MP.

Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli declined to comment about the matter.

But a majority of Cabinet Ministers boycotted the Prime Minister’s Grand Plan for National Transformation, the plan was compiled without the involvement of Cabinet.

The PM is alleged to have ordered other media houses not to cover the event and as a result, Members of Parliament (MPs) complained that they were not receiving coverage as the Government Facebook page and other State controlled publications were reporting the Prime Minister’s positive side of his Grand Plan presentation.

 

 

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Swaziland Newsletter No. 888 – 1 August 2025

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 888 – 1 August 2025

News from and about Swaziland, compiled by Global Aktion, Denmark (www.globalaktion.dk) in collaboration with Swazi Media Commentary (www.swazimedia.blogspot.com), and sent to all with an interest in Swaziland - free of charge. The newsletter and past editions are also available online on the Swazi Media Commentary blogsite.

 

Amnesty International declares eSwatini MPs ‘prisoners of conscience’ amid deepening crackdown on dissent

Kareem Assaf, Jurist News, 27 July 2025

SOURCE 

Four years after their arrest for peacefully advocating for political reform, two members of the Eswatini Parliament, Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube, have been declared “prisoners of conscience” by Amnesty International. Friday’s designation highlights mounting concern over the country’s intensifying repression of dissent and misuse of the justice system.

The two MPs were arrested on July 25, 2021, following their vocal support for legal reforms and constitutional change. They were convicted on charges of terrorism and sedition and sentenced by the High Court on July 31, 2024, to 85 and 58 years in prison, respectively.

“By designating Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube as prisoners of conscience, Amnesty International affirms that they should never have been arrested in the first place,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa. “Their continued arbitrary detention shows Eswatini’s deepening climate of repression and misuse of the justice system to punish those who dare criticize the government.” Amnesty International previously raised alarm over ongoing delays in the appeal hearing for Mabuza, warning that it threatens judicial independence and undermines the right to a fair trial.

The crackdown on Mabuza and Dube takes place in a wider context of political repression in Eswatini. In September 2024, Eswatini’s main opposition party, the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), alleged that its leader, Mlungisi Makhanya, was poisoned in an “attempted assassination” at his South African residence. While the Eswatini government denied any involvement, the incident drew global attention to the regime’s ongoing suppression of political opposition.

This followed the still-unsolved murder of prominent human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko in 2023, which fueled concerns over the state’s role in targeting activists. PUDEMO, though legally allowed to exist, remains banned from contesting elections under decades-old restrictions.

King Mswati III continues to hold unchecked power in Eswatini, appointing key officials and holding ultimate authority over all branches of government. Amnesty has warned that “the imprisonment of MPs simply for speaking out is a red line that must never be crossed. Authorities must quash their convictions and sentences, and immediately and unconditionally release them.”

See also

Imprisoned activist MPs in Eswatini highlight a growing crisis of civic freedoms across Africa (Daily Maverick)

https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-07-24-jailed-eswatini-mps-warning-africa-democracy-crisis/?dm_source=dm_block_grid&dm_medium=card_link&dm_campaign=main

 

DPM sounds alarm: Drug lords targeting kids

By Sabelo Majola, Times of eSwatini, 31 July 2025

SOURCE 

LOBAMBA: Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Thulisile Dladla has registered concern about the existence of drug lords in Eswatini who are selling their merchandise to children.

Dladla raised this concern yesterday while presenting her office’s portfolio committee’s first-quarter performance report for the financial year 2025/26 in Parliament. She highlighted the growing number of children consuming hard drugs like cocaine and dagga.

During her preamble to the Senate Portfolio Committee, Dladla suggested that the country is actively experiencing drug lords supplying hard drugs, which are consumed not only by adults but also children. She remarked: “umtfwana longawatsatsi ema-drugs kulamalanga ngumkacoco,” meaning, “drugs have become the in-thing and fashionable to consume among children.”

The issue of drug lords operating in the country is not new, having been raised by Senator Lindiwe Ngwenya in Parliament earlier this year. This publication previously reported that a high-stakes investigation was launched into the activities of two prominent drug lords operating within Manzini, following serious allegations of police complicity and widespread community concern.

The investigation was initiated after Senator Ngwenya raised the alarm over Manzini’s burgeoning status as a drug hub, accusing certain individuals of operating with impunity. Notably, she highlighted a foreign national and a well-known local woman, both alleged to have been deeply involved in drug trafficking for an extended period, seemingly untouchable to law enforcement.

 “Manzini seems to be becoming a drug hub,” Senator Ngwenya stated during a Senate committee session in March this year. “What is particularly concerning is the apparent lack of concern from the police, because when reports are made, no arrests are carried out. There are drug lords in Manzini who have been operating for years.”

Concerns are particularly heightened regarding foreign nationals’ alleged residence near Manzini Central schools, raising fears that pupils may be among their clientele. Investigations suggest these drug lords are suspected of dealing in cocaine, brown sugar and rock. Additionally, woman drug lord is said to operate from Fairview.

Meanwhile, while presenting her preamble to the senators in Parliament yesterday, Dladla highlighted that the National Children Services Department focused intently on safeguarding children’s rights.

She said the office initiated the establishment of 10 Community Child Justice Committees and actively contributed to Eswatini’s second State Party Report on the African Charter.

She revealed that a crucial interfaith leadership meeting was convened to integrate spiritual capital into efforts to end violence against children, alongside the development of VACS 2022 data info-graphics.

“The department distributed school uniforms and food parcels to vulnerable children and coordinated the Children’s Month and Day of the African Child commemorations, advocating for improved child financing,” she said.

 

Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla

Mbabane Govt patient intake down to 50 daily

By Nomalungelo Phiri, eSwatini Observer, 30 July 2025

SOURCE 

The health crisis in the country continues to worsen as the country’s major hospital now attends to only 50 patients a day, a concerning decline to the average intake of over 200 patients per day.

This development has seen hundreds of patients flocking the referral hospital being turned away, adding to the already concerning situation at the hospital.
According to the Ministry’s first quarter report, Mbabane Government had the highest volume facility with 79 964 annual OPD visits. This translates to about 220 people attended per day on average.

Some patients found queuing in the hospital’s Outpatient Department (OPD) said they were shocked to learn that the hospital had now reduced the number of patients attended to per day. They claimed that they arrived as early as 6am so as to secure a spot for the day, only for some to be turned back.

“I was informed that I should make sure that I arrive on time so that I will be among the 50 patients that are attended to daily,” said one of the patients.
Another patient, Melusi Dlamini shared his frustration about the situation, stating that his mother was turned away after arriving at the hospital at around 9am.

“We were told that the daily patient limit had already been reached and were told to go to Mankayane for assistance. As a result she ended up not getting any assistance and had to go home,” he said.
Similarly, Sihle Dlamini, another patient in the queue shared that she arrived at the hospital at 6am in a bid to increase her chances of being attended to and was lucky enough to make the cut.

At approximately 9am yesterday a security officer, who was assisting patients in the OPD confirmed the reports.
“The 50 tickets have already been taken. I issued the last ticket just a few minutes ago,” the officer said.

Mbabane Government Hospital Chairperson Musa Shongwe claimed that he had not been informed about any significant changes in patient admissions.
“We have not been notified of any change. The last time I checked, they mentioned that they were working on a policy document that would guide how the hospital operates, other than that, I know nothing about any implemented change,” he said.

Meanwhile Communications Officer in the Ministry of Health Nsindiso Tsabedze clarified that the hospital had requested a reduction in patient numbers, but the ministry did not approve such.

“They raised the usual concerns about the need to scale-down, citing drugs shortage, but nothing significant changed. The ministry is not aware of any issues related to a limited number of patients being seen daily,” Tsabedze explained.

 

Questions swell in eSwatini over five men deported from US

AFP, 27 July 2025

SOURCE 

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In the small African kingdom of Eswatini, the arrival of five men deported from the United States under Washington's aggressive anti-immigrant measures has sparked a rare wave of public dissent.

The five, nationals of Vietnam, Laos, Yemen, Cuba and Jamaica, were flown to Eswatini's administrative capital of Mbabane on July 16 on a US military plane and incarcerated after US authorities labelled them "criminal illegal aliens".

The US Department of Homeland Security said the men were convicted of violent crimes "so uniquely barbaric that their home countries refused to take them back".

The government of Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, has confirmed their presence. 

But spokesman Thabile Mdluli said they would not stay permanently, and "will be repatriated in due course to their different countries".

That assurance, though, has not quelled a tide of questions and concerns that has risen within the kingdom about the operation.

Civic and rights groups are wondering whether further deportees from the United States will arrive, and what rights the five men detained have.

Public outrage at the lack of transparency led to 150 women protesting outside the US embassy in Mbabane on Friday.

The protest, organised by the Eswatini Women's Movement, demanded the prisoners be returned to the United States and queried the legal basis Eswatini relied on to accept them.

The five men are being held in the Matsapha Correctional Centre, 30 kilometres (20 miles) south of Mbabane. 

The facility, notorious for holding political prisoners and overcrowding, has been undergoing renovations and expansions since 2018, reportedly funded by the United States as part of a program covering all 14 of the country's penal centres. 

Solitary confinement

Sources within the penitentiary administration said the men were being held in solitary confinement in a high-security section of the facility, with their requests to make phone calls being denied.

The sources said the men have access to medical care and the same meals as the thousand other inmates, as well as a toilet, shower and television in their cells.

Prime Minister Russell Dlamini has dismissed calls by lawmakers and from other quarters for the secrecy surrounding the agreement with Washington to be lifted.

"Not every decision or agreement is supposed to be publicly shared," he said.

Eswatini is the second African country to receive such deportees from the United States, after South Sudan earlier this month accepted eight individuals.

The situation has sparked concerns about the potential implications for Eswatini, a country already grappling with its own challenges under the absolute monarchy of King Mswati III.

The 57-year-old ruler has been criticised for his lavish lifestyle and has faced accusations of human rights violations. 

US President Donald Trump has used the threat of high tariffs against other countries, such as Colombia, to coerce them to take in people deported from America.

Eswatini is currently facing a baseline US tariff of 10 percent -- less than the 30 percent levelled at neighbouring South Africa -- which the government has said will negatively impact the economy.

Trump has directed federal agencies to work hard on his campaign promise to expel millions of undocumented migrants from the United States.

His government has turned to so-called third-country deportations in cases where the home nations of some of those targeted for removal refuse to accept them.

Rights experts have warned the US deportations risk breaking international law by sending people to nations where they face the risk of torture, abduction and other abuses.

See also

Amount of money paid by United States for dumping dangerous criminals in eSwatini remain a top secret, Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini says ‘US paying for hosting of deportees’. (Times of eSwatini)

https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=9590

 

Spokesperson Percy Simelane clarifies reasons that might result to removal of Prime Minister

By Zweli Martin Dlamini, Swaziland News, 28 July, 2025

SOURCE 

MBABANE: King Mswati is allegedly concerned about the conduct of Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini but sources within royalty say, the King might not remove him anytime soon as that would portray him as a person who did not apply his mind when appointing the PM.

A royal insider told this Swaziland News that, the King was concerned that, since the appointment of the current PM, he hasn’t seen any service delivery but only ‘badmouthing’ among Cabinet Ministers.

“Inkhosi ikhala ngekutsi kute lokusetjetwako lapha e-Cabinet, Ndvunankhulu nakafika kuye utela kutohleba bo-Minister, nabo-Minister bahleba Ndvunakhulu.Itsi ngabe seyimsusile manje seyesaba lesive kutsi sitawutsi kani bekabekani kulomuntfu lona,” said a royal insider.

The royal insider further said, according to the King, a Prime Minister must be given at least three (3) years to familiarize himself with Government operations and if he fails, he can be removed.

“The King takes time to analyze things, he is not like us who want things done now. Even on the issue of the Army Commander uvele akutjele kutsi “yebo sekubonakele kutsi uyaganga kodvwa noma bangamemeta labanye batsi nayo imbuzulwane Ngwenyama lapho emasendzeni akho, wena mnikati wemasendze ngeke utsatse sandvo uyibulale, ungamane ucunuse ikuluma-lume wente kungatsi awuyiboni kani usayicabangela kutsi uyisusa njani, kumbe uve unatsa imbita itovele ihhohloke itifele, ngoba wayishaya budlabha itawufa nalomnikati wemasendze (meaning: even if they can scream saying be careful a mosquito has landed in your testicles, you must not be rough when removing it, otherwise you and the mosquito will die,” said the royal insider.

Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli declined to comment about the matter.

Responding to this Swaziland News, King Mswati’s Spokesperson Percy Simelane said, the King normally consider failure to act or deliver in best interest of the Nation when removing a Prime Minister.

“Our experience is that the King considers failure to deliver in the best interest of the country. However, his decision is informed by a host of advisory structures, including  Parliament and the Supreme Council of State”, said the King’s Spokesperson.

The PM is currently failing to address the health crisis and other social challenges, he is also accused of dividing Cabinet.

 

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Swaziland Newsletter No. 887 – 24 July 2025

 Swaziland Newsletter No. 887 – 25 July 2025

News from and about Swaziland, compiled by Global Aktion, Denmark (www.globalaktion.dk) in collaboration with Swazi Media Commentary (www.swazimedia.blogspot.com), and sent to all with an interest in Swaziland - free of charge. The newsletter and past editions are also available online on the Swazi Media Commentary blogsite.

 

Civil society groups threaten court action over US deportations of criminals to eSwatini

By Peter Fabricius, Daily Maverick (South Africa), 21July 2025

SOURCE 

Civil society groups in Eswatini and South Africa have threatened legal action against the Swazi government for accepting five hardened third-country criminals from the US.

And Eswatini’s Prime Minister Russell Dlamini has said his country is open to receiving more deportees if requested to do so by the US and if Eswatini has the capacity.

The Swaziland Litigation Centre, the Swaziland Rural Women’s Assembly and the Southern Africa Litigation Centre based in Johannesburg have issued a statement in which they threatened legal action if the Eswatini government did not back off from the deportee deal with the US.

The US Department of Homeland Security spokesperson, Tricia McLaughlin, said last week that the deportees, from Cuba, Jamaica, Laos, Vietnam and Yemen, had criminal records which included convictions for murder, homicide and child rape.

They were “so uniquely barbaric that their home countries refused to take them back”, she added.

The Eswatini government confirmed that the men had arrived and had been detained. It claimed they presented no threat to Swazi people.

But the three civil society organisations said the arrival of the men raised many questions — especially in a country where correctional centres were overcrowded, the government was grappling with a range of crises, including a shortage of essential medicines, “and where there have been consistent calls for a democratic, open and transparent government”.

To read more of this report, click here

https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-07-21-civil-society-groups-threaten-court-action-over-us-deportations-of-criminals-to-eswatini/

 

‘This sets a dangerous precedent’ – ACTSA statement on US deportation of convicted criminals to eSwatini

Action for Southern Africa, 21 July 2025

SOURCE

In light of the US deportation of five convicted criminals to Eswatini last week, ACTSA echoes the strong concerns and demands raised by Eswatini civil society and regional civil society.

A grouping of Eswatini women’s organisations including ACTSA partners Swaziland Rural Women’s Assembly (RWA) has said:

“This situation not only puts a strain on local resources but also heightens fears of increased violence, including gender-based violence, crime, and other forms of insecurity that disproportionately affect women and girls. We believe that everyone, including deportees, deserves basic human rights and the chance to rebuild their lives, but this must not come at the cost of community safety or the rights of our women and children. The manner in which these deportations are seemingly carried out increases risks rather than addressing them.”

ACTSA supports Eswatini Women’s Movement’s demands:

We urge the Government of Eswatini to terminate the deportation agreement that allows convicted criminals to be dumped in Eswatini

We urgently demand the US to recall the deported criminals which were sent without proper consultation with the citizens.

We urgently request the government of Eswatini to act and speak on behalf of its citizens and demand that proper measures be put in place to safeguard the rights and welfare of the local population before any deportations take place.

The government must also address any pressures that lead to the uptake of such prejudicial policy arrangements with other countries.

We call for coordinated international dialogue, transparent information sharing, and genuine investment in community support systems so that Eswatini does not become a dumping ground for unresolved problems from elsewhere.

Read Eswatini Women’s Movement’s full statement here.

Eswatini’s civil society grouping the Multi-Stakeholder Forum (MSF) has said “It is profoundly troubling that Eswatini has accepted deportees who were rejected by their countries of origin. This not only places an undue burden on Eswatini’s limited security and correctional infrastructure but also suggests a deeply problematic acceptance to decisions made by a foreign government without national consensus or public interest at heart. The MSF strongly questions the rationale, legality and morality of accepting such individuals into a country with no historical, familial, or legal ties to them.”

MSF has also raised the lack of consultation of any civil society organisation in Swaziland, the concerning question of the human rights, status and future status of the deportees, the potential violation of international human rights obligations, and the fear of a precedent of Swaziland as a dumping ground for the unwanted individuals of more powerful states.

ACTSA supports MSF’s calls to the Government of Eswatini to:

Immediately provide a public explanation on the circumstances surrounding this deportation flight.

Disclose any agreements made with the United States regarding third-country deportations.

Involve Parliament, the judiciary and civil society in any future decisions of such magnitude.

Reaffirm Eswatini’s commitment to international norms and reject any role as a dumping ground for foreign powers.

Read MSF’s full statement here.

To read more of this report, click here

https://actsa.org/statement-on-us-deportation-of-convicted-criminals-to-eswatini/

 

See also

US deportation of migrants to Swaziland further undermines the legitimacy of its embattled monarch (Peoples Dispatch)

https://peoplesdispatch.org/2025/07/21/us-deportation-of-migrants-to-swaziland-further-undermines-the-legitimacy-of-its-embattled-monarch/

Migrants deported by the US to Eswatini being held in solitary confinement (Genocide Watch)

https://www.genocidewatch.com/single-post/migrants-deported-by-the-us-to-eswatini-being-held-in-solitary-confinement

‘Not Trump’s dumping ground’: Outrage over arrival of foreign US deportees in tiny African nation (CNN)

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/07/17/africa/africa-eswatini-trump-us-deportees-intl

Eswatini opposition attacks US deal as ‘human trafficking disguised as deportation’ (The Guardian, UK)

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/23/eswatini-petition-us-deportees

Outrage on deportees: Eswatini has right to decide – Percy (Times of eSwatini)

https://www.times.co.sz/news/readmore.php?bhsadjgfoh=Outrage%20on%20deportees:%20Eswatini%20has%20right%20to%20decide%20-%20Percy&yiphi=135&bvhdgsj=News

 

37 newborn deaths in 2 months

By Sithembile Hlatshwayo, eSwatini Observer (print edition), 23 July 2025

MBABANE: As the country grapples with the deepening health crisis in public facilities, shocking statistics on neonatal deaths have been revealed, with 37 newborn babies having died at Mbabane Government Hospital.

The children died between April 29, and June 17.

There were 15 newborn babies aged from zero to one-month-old and 17 stillbirths.

A recent report titled ‘Mbabane Government Hospital Death Statistics’ from April 29, to June 17, obtained by this publication, stated that the deaths occurred over a period of 18 days.

According to the report, in the same facility, there were 27 other deaths related to diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic conditions, while there were 21 deaths due to trauma, accidents, and assaults. Furthermore, the report mentions one parasuicide death.

In a recent debate in Parliament, Ngudzeni Member of Parliament (MP) Charles Ndlovu also criticised Minister of Health Mduduzi

Matsebula regarding the situation of medicine and medical drug supplies in the country, revealing the report on the neonatal deaths.

When asked to substantiate his statement in Parliament, Ndlovu responded that currently “kahealth kukaSathane,” loosely translated as “it is hell.”

He said the prime minister’s lack of urgency in addressing these issues spoke volumes.

Contacted about the report, Mbabane Government Hospital Unit Committee Chairperson Musa Shongwe said they were aware of the figures.

He stated that the main factor contributing to the deaths was the shortage of staff at the hospital.

The chairperson explained that at times triaging was not effective, adding that some women admitted to check on the progress of their baby had to wait if the labour was not advanced, sometimes being reviewed only after five hours.

He said sometimes there were only one or two nurses on duty, and while another pregnant mother was experiencing complications, no one was available to attend to her.

Shongwe said the deaths were mainly attributed to staff shortages rather than drug shortages. In other cases, he said some pregnant mothers experienced blood pressure (BP) problems that caused fatal outcomes for their babies.

However, he mentioned that some mothers were admitted to the hospital with stillborn babies.

“What is problematic in the healthcare facility is that whether you bring someone already deceased, it is recorded as a hospital death, which distorts the death statistics completely,” said the chairperson.

 

Women bear water crisis burden

By Mlondzi Nkambule, Times of eSwatini, 24 July 2025

SOURCE 

MBABANE: Women and girls in Eswatini continue to shoulder the burden of walking long distances to fetch water as climate change threatens rivers, dams and livelihoods.

This grim picture was painted by Principal Secretary Lindiwe Mbingo, who delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Minister for Natural Resources and Energy, Prince Lonkhokhela, during the launch of the formulation of the Eswatini Water Investment Plan (EWIP) at the Hilton Garden Inn yesterday. The event aimed at spearheading the formulation of the plan which is proposed to be ready by October 2025. The plan will further be presented at the upcoming G20 Summit, which will be hosted in South Africa.

Mbingo said delayed rains, recurring droughts and flash floods have placed immense pressure on water sources, forcing families, particularly women and girls, to travel further to secure water for domestic use. “Eswatini is faced with water scarcity and climate vulnerability. Our rivers are shrinking, our dams are stressed and our communities, especially women and girls, still have to walk each day to fetch water from faraway places,” she said. The EWIP seeks to address the dual challenges of climate-induced water shortages and under-investment in water infrastructure. Government hopes to mobilise more than US$75 million in climate finance by 2030 to roll out projects aimed at improving water access and climate resilience. “Without strategic water planning and investments, we will be helpless against the increasing impacts of climate change, which threaten both our water resources and our economy,” Mbingo added.

The plan aligns with Eswatini’s National Development Plan 2023-2028 and the Water Act of 2003, which amplifies the need to integrate water security into national economic growth strategies. According to studies cited by the ministry, water shortages cost Eswatini up to five per cent of GDP annually through lost harvests and stalled industries.

Mbingo said government is inviting private sector players, development partners and local communities to collaborate in building sustainable water management systems.

“Our investment plan is Eswatini’s shield against scarcity and our passport to prosperity. We must act now,” she said. The launch was attended by senior government officials, water sector experts and representatives of international development organisations.

 

‘King didn’t know me but Princess Sikhanyiso and others within royalty assisted me to become Prime Minister,’ says Russell Dlamini in a leaked communication

By Zweli Martin Dlamini, Swaziland News, 22 July 2025

SOURCE 

MBABANE: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini says Princess Sikhanyiso played a major role in ensuring that, he becomes the Prime Minister.

This is contained in a leaked communication where the PM was speaking to another high profile person, he was actually speaking about Natural Resources and Energy Minister Prince Lonkhokhela when the name of Princess Sikhanyiso became the subject of the discussion.

“I was thinking that Lonkhokhela is not on my side in Cabinet but I’ve since discovered that, he supports me. Kodvwa-ke bekangeke sekacale angangi-supporthi angacabana naSikhanyiso,” said the Prime Minister.

Russell Dlamini then went on to say the Princess played a huge role in ensuring that, he becomes the Prime Minister. 

But the Prime Minister said, it was his first time to be closer to the King after being appointed adding that, he had never met him in person.

The King mistakenly refereed to Dlamini as ‘Mmemo’ instead of ‘Mmiso’ when appointing him during Sibaya at Ludzidzini Palace in November 2023.

Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli declined to comment about the Prime Minister’s leaked information.

Worth-noting, emaSwati were summoned to Sibaya and urged to debate among themselves(kubhunga) and then advise the King on who should be the Prime Minister.

But soon thereafter, “Emalangeni and BantfwaBeNkhosi held a meeting to discuss who among themselves can take up the top position as Head of Government”.

The royal family is dominated by different factions but it appears that, the Princess Sikhanyiso faction is too powerful as even Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini was backed by King’s first-born daughter before a fallout.

Princess Sikhanyiso was the Board member at MTN Eswatini while Ambrose Dlamini was the Chief Executive Officer.

Eswatini is not a democracy but an absolute Monarchy, the Prime Minister is appointed by the King among members of his royal family.

Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini

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