Rwanda has confirmed it is in preliminary discussions with the United States over a potential agreement to receive migrants deported from American soil, according to the country’s foreign minister.
The talks come as the U.S. government, under President Donald Trump’s administration, seeks third-country arrangements to relocate migrants as part of its mass deportation efforts.
Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe acknowledged the discussions during an interview on state television Sunday, stating, “Those reports are true, we are engaged in discussions with the Government of the United States of America.”
He noted that Rwanda previously struck a similar—though ultimately scrapped—deal with the United Kingdom, saying such agreements are “not something new to us.” However, he emphasized that the U.S. talks remain in early stages and are “not yet conclusive.”
Controversial Precedent
The potential agreement follows a highly criticized U.S. arrangement with El Salvador, where a deported Salvadoran man was mistakenly expelled without recourse for return. Rwanda’s prior UK deal also faced legal challenges, with Britain’s Supreme Court ruling it unlawful over concerns about migrants’ safety.
Rwanda, often praised for stability in a volatile region, has faced scrutiny over human rights and press freedom restrictions. The country has also been accused of involvement in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo’s escalating conflict.
When pressed for details, Nduhungirehe declined to elaborate, stating only that updates would follow once discussions conclude.
