Cuban Deported to Eswatini on Hunger Strike, Lawyer Says His Life Is at Risk

A Cuban migrant deported to Eswatini has launched a hunger strike over prolonged detention (image source)

MBABANE — A Cuban national deported from the United States to Eswatini in July has begun an indefinite hunger strike to protest his prolonged detention, his U.S.-based lawyer said. The man, identified as Roberto Mosquera del Peral, has reportedly been held for months without formal charges, access to independent legal counsel or clear information about his legal status.

Mosquera was among a group of migrants relocated to Eswatini under a controversial U.S. program that transfers certain deportees to third countries. Lawyers and rights groups have criticised the arrangement, saying it has left detainees effectively imprisoned at Matsapha Correctional Centre with inadequate consular support and no clear route to legal resolution.

His lawyer, Alma David, said Mosquera began the hunger strike several days ago and that his health is rapidly deteriorating. She described the detention as arbitrary, citing restricted legal access and the authorities’ failure to facilitate confidential meetings or independent medical assessments.

Human-rights groups, including Amnesty International’s regional office, have called on Eswatini authorities to provide urgent medical care, guarantee legal access, and clarify the legal basis of the man’s continued detention. Both Eswatini and the United States are being urged to take urgent steps to prevent a potential death in custody.

Eswatini’s government has defended its cooperation agreements, insisting that deportees are processed in accordance with national laws. Officials acknowledged logistical challenges but did not directly respond to questions about Mosquera’s hunger strike or the timeline for a judicial review.

The broader relocation program has attracted widespread criticism since its inception. Analysts say it risks exposing migrants to prolonged third-country detention without pathways to legal remedy or safe repatriation. Reports indicate that several detainees have remained in custody for months with limited access to lawyers and uncertain prospects for release or transfer.

International legal experts stress that states involved in third-country transfers must respect non-refoulement obligations and guarantee fair, prompt procedures for contesting detention. They warn that failure to meet these standards could breach international human-rights norms and strain diplomatic relations.

Rights advocates are urging Eswatini to allow independent monitoring, speed up legal hearings and ensure detainees’ rights are upheld. Mosquera’s legal team said they intend to intensify pressure on authorities to secure urgent medical attention and push for a judicial determination of his status.