GOVERNMENT TELLS EMASWATI NOT TO WORRY ABOUT US DEPORTEES AS QUESTIONS OVER NATIONAL SECURITY REMAIN

Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Prince Simelane has assured Parliament that emaSwati should not be afraid of the United States deportees who were brought into Eswatini, dismissing concerns that the individuals pose a danger to citizens.

The Minister told Members of Parliament that the people deported from the United States should not automatically be labelled dangerous criminals, despite growing public concern following reports that some of them were convicted of serious offences in their countries of origin.

The controversy surrounding the deportees has become one of the biggest security and diplomatic issues facing Eswatini after the government agreed to accept individuals removed from the United States.

The matter has attracted criticism from citizens, opposition groups, human rights activists, and neighbouring countries, who have questioned why Eswatini accepted foreign deportees without what many believe was adequate public consultation and transparency.

Government officials have repeatedly defended the arrangement, arguing that the deportees are being managed according to international procedures and that they do not pose a threat to national security.

However, many emaSwati remain concerned.

The central question is not simply whether these individuals should be welcomed or rejected. The bigger issue is whether citizens were given enough information about the agreement, the background of the deportees, and the security measures put in place to protect the public.

A government has a responsibility to protect its citizens and to be transparent when making decisions that directly affect national security.

The concerns became more serious after reports emerged that some deportees were convicted of serious crimes, including allegations involving murder, sexual offences, and other criminal activities.

While every person has the right to be treated according to the law and international human rights standards, citizens also have the right to know whether their government conducted proper risk assessments before allowing foreign nationals into the country.

The manner in which the agreement was handled has been a major source of criticism.

Eswatini is an absolute monarchy where major national decisions are often made by the executive with limited public participation. Critics argue that agreements involving national security and immigration should not be concluded without proper parliamentary oversight and public accountability.

The government has faced questions over whether Parliament, the Attorney General, and relevant security structures were properly involved before the agreement was signed.

For many citizens, the issue is not about discrimination against foreigners.

It is about accountability.

When ordinary emaSwati struggle to obtain passports, identity documents, and access basic government services, they expect the government to explain clearly why decisions involving foreign nationals and national security are made without public debate.

The controversy also exposes a wider problem within Eswatini’s governance system.

When decisions are made behind closed doors, public suspicion naturally increases. Even if the government believes the agreement is beneficial, secrecy creates mistrust.

The Justice Minister’s statement may have been intended to reassure the nation, but reassurance alone cannot replace transparency.

Citizens need facts.

They need to know who these individuals are, what offences they committed, why Eswatini accepted them, how long they will remain in the country, and what safeguards exist to protect communities.

National security cannot be managed through public relations statements.

It requires openness, accountability, and confidence from the people.

The government must understand that in a society where trust in institutions is already fragile, citizens will continue demanding answers.

The debate over the US deportees is therefore not only about immigration.

It is about governance.

It is about whether ordinary emaSwati have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their safety and future.

Until government provides full transparency, concerns surrounding the deportees will continue.

A responsible government does not simply tell people not to worry.

It explains why they should not worry.