Rwanda confirms early talks to host deported US migrants

Rwanda confirmed on Monday that discussions were “under way” with the United States regarding a potential agreement to host deported migrants.

Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe on Sunday told state media that the talks were in the “early stage”. When asked by Associated Press on Monday, he confirmed the talks.

Nduhungirehe did not disclose the specifics of the potential deal for Rwanda, but previous local media reports suggest that the US would be likely to fund a programme to have migrants integrated into the society through stipends and job initiatives.

The US State Department declined to comment on a potential deal with Rwanda, but said engagement with foreign governments is an important part of the US government’s policy to deter illegal migration.

This would not be Rwanda’s first time hosting deported migrants. The East African nation previously had an agreement with the UK to host migrants. Plans for the initiative, including prepared accommodation, were in the final stages but the deal collapsed after the Labour Party took office in 2024.

Rwanda has faced allegations of human rights abuses and is currently in the process of brokering a peace deal with the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo where Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have been behind attacks in the mineral rich eastern Congo region.