GOVERNMENT has reaffirmed that the third-country nationals deported to Eswatini by the United States are not prisoners and are allowed to exercise their rights and move around the country, albeit under restrictions and supervision.
Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli said the nationals were permitted to access different places provided they remained under surveillance or were accompanied by security officers.
Mdluli’s clarification follows the appearance of three of the third-country nationals at the main day of the 2026 Umhlanga Reed Dance at the Ludzidzini Royal Residence where they were seen seated alongside members of His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS).
The presence of the deportees at one of the country’s biggest cultural events has generated public interest, particularly because they are being accommodated at a correctional facility despite government maintaining that they are not prisoners.
Mdluli said government’s position was that the nationals should be allowed to enjoy their human rights while ensuring that the rights and security of Emaswati were not compromised.
“We want them to enjoy their human rights but also be mindful that the rights of the public are not infringed,” Mdluli said.
She added that members of the public should not be concerned about the nationals moving around the country as long as they remained under supervision. “As long as they are under supervision, the nation should not worry about them,” she said.
The three nationals were first spotted on August 7 as they were being escorted back to Matsapha Correctional Facility after spending time shopping at Mashayitafula Complex and surrounding areas.
Their appearance at the Umhlanga main day provided a further indication that their movements are not entirely confined to the correctional facility, although they remain subject to supervision by the authorities.
During the Umhlanga proceedings, members of HMCS were seated with the deportees, with some officers appearing to closely monitor them as the event unfolded.
Government’s clarification comes amid continued public debate over the treatment and accommodation of the third-country nationals, who were deported from the United States and accepted by the country.
Human rights lawyer Sibusiso Nhlabatsi on Tuesday said the deportees’ attendance at the cultural event was consistent with their status as people who were not supposed to be treated as prisoners.
