Rwanda in Early Talks with US to Accept Deported Migrants

Discussions Follow Similar Agreement with UK

Rwanda is in preliminary discussions with the Trump administration to potentially accept migrants deported from the United States, according to the country’s Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe. The East African nation has previous experience with such arrangements, having agreed to a similar deal with the UK before it was abandoned last year.

Video credit to: Panorama – Breaking

US Seeking Deportation Partners

The talks come after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed last month that Washington was actively looking for countries willing to accept what he described as “some of the most despicable human beings.” Rwanda’s potential involvement follows its earlier agreement with the UK, which was scrapped in July following legal challenges and a change in British government.

Rwanda’s Humanitarian Approach

In a recent interview with Rwandan TV, Minister Nduhungirehe emphasized his government’s willingness to help migrants facing difficulties worldwide. “We are in the spirit of giving another chance to migrants who have problems across the world,” he stated, while noting that discussions with the US are ongoing and their outcome remains uncertain.

Trump’s Immigration Policy Push

The potential agreement aligns with President Donald Trump’s focus on accelerating the removal of undocumented immigrants since taking office in January, including his promise of “mass deportations.” This initiative has led the administration to seek international partners for deportation arrangements.

El Salvador’s Similar Offer

Earlier this year, El Salvador proposed accepting criminals deported from the US, even those with American citizenship, to be housed in its large prison facilities. President Nayib Bukele indicated this would be done “in exchange for a fee,” demonstrating alternative approaches countries are considering in response to US deportation policies.

Source: BBC News