Mbabane – The landing of a deportation flight from the United States carrying convicted criminals in Eswatini has ignited a wave of outrage across social media, with citizens demanding answers and accountability from government leaders.
After news broke through Reuters that the US had sent five violent offenders from countries such as Vietnam, Jamaica, Laos, Cuba, and Yemen to Eswatini, many Emaswati flooded online platforms questioning how the arrangement was approved and why the country was chosen.
Vikimpi Mngomezulu called for immediate parliamentary action. “Parliament must convene an emergency session today to reverse the US decision and any secret agreements. We accept refugees but not criminals. We still remember the dangerous elements who fueled the civil unrest,” he wrote. 
Fash Motsa referenced the kingdom’s constitution, quoting the section on foreign policy objectives. “How did the government protect us here? Is cabinet even aware of this or are they as shocked as we are?” he questioned.
Musawenkhosi Sacolo also questioned the decision, asking, “Who consented to this arrangement and for what benefit?”
Many raised concerns about the lack of consultation and transparency. “We demand to know the details,” wrote Smanga Laney Nkhosi. “Eswatini should not be used as a dumping ground for the problems of other nations.”
Ayanda Mabuza posed a blunt question: “Why specifically Eswatini? What is the real agenda here?”
Some, like Busani Dlamini, linked the issue to broader diplomatic relations, saying, “How can the US do this to Eswatini… They cut financial services to us and now we must accommodate criminals with limited resources?”
Others pointed to security concerns. “Our prisons are already struggling with local inmates,” Sandziso Kunene wrote, “and now we’re being told to house dangerous foreign criminals?”
Several commentators warned of possible covert deals between Eswatini and the United States. “This is a systemic approach by the US,” wrote Hlubie Nelson, who alleged past incidents of foreign volunteers living in Eswatini under mysterious circumstances.
Ronnie Denny Hulett urged the Foreign Ministry to explain the arrangement, while Mabandla Shiyas Gwebu demanded clarity on the legal basis, security plans, and approval process.
Some responses took a more cynical tone, with Thabiso Jama suggesting parliament would stay silent because of US funding to Eswatini.
Calls grew louder for parliamentarians to address the issue publicly. “Legislators of Eswatini, this is your time to show you represent the people,” Nosipho Nkosi-Dlamini said.
Despite the rising public anger, the government has yet to provide a full response. Government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli told the Independent News she was still gathering information.
