Politics
Trump Administration Accused of Using African Nations as "Dumping Ground" for Deportations
Five men convicted of crimes in the US were deported to Eswatini on July 16. The men, nationals of Vietnam, Jamaica, Laos, Cuba, and Yemen, were part of the Trump administration's "third country" deportation plan. Eswatini is the second African nation to receive such deportees, following the deportation of eight individuals to South Sudan earlier in July. The deportations follow a US Supreme Court ruling allowing such actions and have sparked outrage from human rights groups and activists in Africa who accuse the US of violating human rights and using African nations as a "dumping ground" for criminals. US officials, however, maintain the deportees pose no threat and that the process includes risk assessments.
The US Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary, Tricia McLaughlin, described the deportees as "uniquely barbaric monsters" who had "terrorized American communities." Pro-democracy activist Wandile Dludlu criticized the decision, stating the US government views Eswatini as a "criminal dumpsite." Similar deals are under discussion with several other African nations, including Liberia, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, and Gabon. The Trump administration has reportedly used a combination of incentives and pressure to secure these agreements. Previous similar policies in the UK and Israel have been challenged and overturned in court due to human rights concerns.
Impact Statement: The Trump administration's "third country" deportation policy raises significant human rights concerns and has drawn sharp criticism from activists and international organizations. The legality and ethical implications of these agreements remain contentious.