Back in 2018, US president Donald Trump famously referred to Africa as a “shithole”. More recently he was quoted as saying that “nobody has ever heard of” Lesotho. And let's not forget that “some very bad things” are happening in South Africa.
Now, it seems he has realised that Africa is very valuable to the US: as a dumping ground for some of its worst criminals.
Last month the kingdom of Eswatini welcomed five men — described as “barbaric” due to their criminal history — who had been deported from the US. Between them, they have convictions for child rape, murder, assault with grievous bodily harm and robbery.
According to US authorities, attempts to deport the men to their own countries of Laos, Cuba, Jamaica, Vietnam and Yemen were rejected.
Exactly what or who persuaded His Majesty King Mswati III to accept these vile humans has not been made public. But one can assume that many greenbacks were included in the deal. Acting Eswatini government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli says the group will be deported to their native countries in less than 12 months.
South Sudan, Rwanda and El Salvador have also been coaxed into accepting convicted foreigners in the US in a deal described as “third-party deportation”. The Trump administration reportedly paid nearly $6m for El Salvador to imprison the men.
Three weeks after Eswatini’s new guests arrived, South Africa — which shares a very porous border with its neighbour — has finally realised the inappropriateness of the situation.
Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for the minister of international relations and co-operation, said on Tuesday that “while respecting the sovereign decision of the government of Eswatini, the government of South Africa is deeply concerned about the profiles of these individuals and the potential adverse impact on our national security and immigration policy, given the geographical proximity between the two countries”.
Critics of the US operation have voiced concern over the deportations, saying they are happening so swiftly that deportees are unable to challenge their removal in court, violating their rights to due process.
Over the years, Africa has borne the brunt of global dumping — mostly plastic and toxic waste. Now it has graduated to dangerous criminals.
The continent must band together to stand against wealthy nations that regard Africa as nothing but a vast wasteland to be exploited and abused as they see fit.
The US should deal with its domestic issues without involving other nations. Africa is not for sale and should never give the impression that it will pander to the whims of countries that see it as a place where anything goes if the price is right.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.