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Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, has confirmed that the country is in preliminary discussions with the United States regarding the possibility of accepting immigrants deported from the US.
This revelation follows reports of Washington’s push for increased deportations under President Donald Trump, including controversial negotiations to send migrants to third-party nations.
Nduhungirehe’s statement on state television on Sunday, May 4, 2025, acknowledged the ongoing talks, referencing Rwanda’s prior, ultimately unsuccessful, multi-million-dollar deal with Britain to receive deported migrants.
He stated that such arrangements are “not something new” for Rwanda.
While confirming the “ongoing” nature of the discussions, the foreign minister emphasised that they are still in the early stages and no definitive direction has been established.
He noted that the talks are continuing as both nations address the issue of migrants but refrained from providing further details.
When contacted by AFP, Nduhungirehe indicated that information would be provided upon the conclusion of the discussions.
These talks occur against a backdrop of controversy surrounding Washington’s deportation policies, including a problematic case with El Salvador.
Rwanda’s previous agreement with the UK was also highly debated and ultimately deemed illegal by the UK’s Supreme Court due to concerns about the safety and human rights of deported individuals in Rwanda.
Rights groups have also criticised Rwanda’s human rights record and limitations on freedom of speech.
Furthermore, Rwanda faces increasing international pressure regarding its alleged involvement in the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
