Amanze Chinonye
Two U.S. government officials were accidentally shot and wounded by Eswatini defence forces during an anti-smuggling operation in a rural area of the southern African kingdom last week, the government said.
Join our WhatsApp Channel
The officials were wounded on Friday in Maphiveni, about a two-hour drive from the capital, Mbabane, acting government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli said. The government described their injuries as minor.
READ ALSO :
Offset Survives Florida Casino Shooting, Leg Injuries Non-Life-Threatening
It was not immediately clear why the U.S. personnel were in the area or what led to the shooting. Eswatini’s army is examining the circumstances, while the government said it was communicating with U.S. authorities.
The U.S. State Department said it was aware of the incident and that the officials were safe. It did not disclose their identities or provide details of their activities in the area.
Eswatini army spokesperson Sandile Gwebu described the incident as a diplomatic matter being handled by the two governments. The government said it would cooperate with U.S. authorities.
The shooting comes as Washington and Mbabane have expanded cooperation on migration, including an agreement under which Eswatini has accepted third-country nationals deported from the United States.
READ MORE :
China to Scrap Tariffs for 53 African Countries from May 1, Excludes Eswatini
Eswatini has received more than 30 deportees under the arrangement and agreed to accept up to 160 people under a $5.1 million deal. The agreement has faced legal challenges, with lawyers arguing that some deportees remain detained in Eswatini despite having completed sentences for crimes committed in the United States.
The incident adds a new diplomatic complication to an increasingly active U.S.-Eswatini relationship, as the two governments deepen cooperation on migration and border security.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
