The United States is pursuing a large-scale deportation initiative, with former President Donald Trump's administration previously negotiating controversial agreements to relocate migrants to third countries. Rwanda, seen as a relatively stable nation in a volatile region, is now reportedly in talks with Washington regarding a similar deal.
Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, confirmed on state television that discussions are underway between Kigali and Washington. “Those reports are true. We are engaged in discussions with the Government of the United States of America,” he stated. He also noted that Rwanda is no stranger to such arrangements, referencing the now-defunct deal it once had with the United Kingdom to accept deported migrants. That UK-Rwanda agreement, which involved millions of dollars, was canceled after a change in the British government last year.
While confirming ongoing talks with the U.S., Nduhungirehe emphasized that the discussions are still in their early phases and no definitive agreement has been reached. “They are not yet conclusive to determine the direction this will take,” he said, adding that both parties continue to explore potential solutions to the broader migrant issue. He declined to provide further specifics, stating that updates would be shared once the discussions are finalized.
These talks come in the wake of controversy surrounding similar U.S. agreements with countries like El Salvador. One such case sparked outrage when U.S. authorities mistakenly deported a Salvadoran man and later admitted they could not retrieve him.
The previous UK-Rwanda deportation deal also faced intense scrutiny. The UK’s Supreme Court deemed the arrangement illegal, citing the risk of migrants being subjected to ill-treatment upon arrival in Rwanda.
Rwanda, home to about 13 million people, has often been criticized by human rights organizations for curbing freedom of speech and suppressing political opposition. Additionally, its alleged military involvement in the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has added to international concerns, casting a shadow over its role in regional stability.
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