Roberto Mosquera del Peral's Hunger Strike Highlights Inhumane Treatment of Detainees in Eswatini

Strategic Insights -

Roberto Mosquera del Peral, a Cuban national deported from the United States to Eswatini in July 2025, has begun an indefinite hunger strike at Matsapha Correctional Centre to protest his ongoing detention without charge. The 14 men, including Mosquera del Peral, were transferred under a secretive agreement between the two governments, and none have ties to Eswatini. Amnesty International's Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, has called on the authorities in Eswatini to ensure a medical assessment for Mosquera del Peral, provide confidential access to lawyers and families for all detainees, and disclose the legal basis for their detentions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Roberto Mosquera del Peral, a Cuban national, has been on an indefinite hunger strike since 15 October to protest his ongoing detention without charge in Eswatini.
  • Mosquera del Peral is one of 14 men deported to Eswatini under a secretive transfer arrangement between the United States and Eswatini governments, none of whom have ties to Eswatini.
  • The men remain detained without charge, and attempts by legal representatives to obtain confidential access have been repeatedly refused.
  • Amnesty International has called on the Eswatini authorities to ensure a medical assessment for Mosquera del Peral, provide confidential access to lawyers and families for all detainees, and disclose the legal basis for their detentions.
  • The secretive transfer arrangement between the two governments is in breach of the principle of non-refoulement as laid out in international human rights law.
  • The Eswatini authorities must promptly either facilitate the release of Mosquera del Peral and the 13 others or establish lawful grounds for their detention before a competent court.

Statistics:

  • 15 October: The day Roberto Mosquera del Peral's hunger strike reportedly began.
  • July 2025: The month Mosquera del Peral was deported from the United States to Eswatini along with 13 others.
  • 14: The number of men deported to Eswatini under a secretive transfer arrangement between the United States and Eswatini governments.
  • 1: The Eswatini authority that must ensure a medical assessment for Mosquera del Peral to ensure his health is not compromised further.
  • 2: The number of governments involved in the secretive transfer arrangement (the United States and Eswatini).

Sources:

  • Amnesty International
  • APO Group
  • Roberto Mosquera del Peral's lawyers and family members