MPs demand clarity on Eswatini-USA inmate agreement
BY MBONO MDLULI
LOBAMBA – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has been commended for showing leadership by directly addressing the nation on the sensitive issue of deported inmates arriving in Eswatini from the United States.
The commendation came from veteran lawmaker Marwick Khumalo, Member of Parliament for Lobamba Lomdzala, during the 2025/26 first quarter performance debate of the Prime Minister’s Office, held in the House of Assembly on July 21, 2025.
Khumalo acknowledged that while he did not entirely agree with the Prime Minister’s explanation, he appreciated Dlamini’s courage in taking responsibility for such a contentious matter instead of delegating it to junior officials.
“This was not an issue for lower-ranking officials. It needed the prime minister to stand up and face the people, and that’s what the Prime Minister did,” said Khumalo. Despite numerous statements from relevant authorities — including the Prime Minister himself, His Majesty’s Correctional Services Commissioner General LaMakhosini Phindile Dlamini, and Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli — public concern remains high.
The deportation of inmates from the USA to Eswatini has stirred intense debate, with MPs from across the political spectrum seeking clarification on the terms, legality, and national benefit of the arrangement.
Hhukwini MP Alec Lushaba questioned whether a formal agreement existed between Eswatini and the United States that facilitated the deportations. He also raised concerns about apparent disunity within Cabinet, stating that some ministers appeared to have no knowledge of the arrangement.
“I don’t understand how members of Cabinet could be unaware, especially when the security systems at the Private and Cabinet Offices have been addressed,” said Lushaba.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Lobamba MP Michael Masilela and Ngudzeni MP Charles Ndlovu, who both pressed for transparency on what Eswatini gained from accepting deported inmates. Ndlovu bluntly asked, “What is the deal that led to this? What’s in it for Eswatini?”
Khumalo further questioned whether more inmates were expected to be transferred in the future and sought clarification on whether any monetary exchange took place as part of the arrangement.
Ntondozi MP Peter Ngwenya criticized the decision to admit deported inmates, referring to them as “lecturers” and arguing that the country’s correctional system was already overwhelmed. “Our prisons are overcrowded by over 1,600 inmates. Where are the deportees being accommodated?” he asked.
Adding to the legal dimension of the debate, Matsanjeni South MP Sabelo Ndlangamandla called for a formal legal opinion from Attorney General Sifiso Khumalo regarding the legality and implications of the arrangement.
The debate was chaired by Mtfongwaneni MP Nathie ‘Mdockies’ Hlophe, who directed the Prime Minister to submit a written response addressing the concerns raised during the session, including the deportees issue and other matters under scrutiny.
As national discourse intensifies around the deportee controversy, the Prime Minister’s response—both verbal and written—is expected to shed more light on the country’s position and policy direction on international inmate repatriation.
