Rwanda is in preliminary discussions with the U.S. government about the acceptance of migrants deported from the U.S., following a broader search for countries willing to take in those targeted by U.S. immigration enforcement.
Rwanda Engages in Talks with U.S. on Migrant Acceptance
Rwanda Engages in Talks with U.S. on Migrant Acceptance
Rwanda's Foreign Minister confirms ongoing discussions with U.S. over accepting deported migrants.
Rwanda's Foreign Affairs Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, revealed in a recent interview that the East African nation is in the "early stage" of negotiations with the U.S. regarding the acceptance of deported migrants. His statements follow U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's remarks about Washington's efforts to find nations willing to accept individuals considered "some of the most despicable human beings."
Nduhungirehe emphasized that this is not a new endeavor for Rwanda, as the country had previously agreed to accept migrants deported from the UK. That agreement, however, collapsed following legal challenges and the changes in leadership after the Labour Party, led by Sir Keir Starmer, took power last year.
During a recent Rwandan television interview, Nduhungirehe reiterated Rwanda's commitment to providing a second chance for migrants facing difficulties globally. Though ongoing talks with the U.S. continue, he cautioned that it is too early to determine the outcome.
Since President Donald Trump took office, the U.S. administration has prioritized accelerating the deportation of undocumented migrants. Notably, El Salvador has stepped forward to house criminals, even those possessing U.S. citizenship, in exchange for payment. Other Central American nations like Panama and Costa Rica have also welcomed deported migrants from the U.S.
A Rwandan official, speaking off the record, mentioned that the country is "open" to accepting more migrants expelled from the U.S., having taken in an Iraqi individual in March. This dialogue around accepting migrants reportedly commenced shortly after Trump's inauguration.
Despite international scrutiny over Rwanda's human rights practices, including concerns regarding the potential re-deportation of individuals to regions where they may be at risk, the Rwandan government maintains that it is a safe haven for refugees.
