Rwanda in talks with US to accept ‘third-country’ deportees
Rwanda is in negotiations with the Trump administration about accepting individuals deported from the United States, according to the country’s foreign affairs minister. The East African nation says it is open to welcoming “migrants who have problems across the world.”
Rwanda open to accepting U.S. deportees
The announcement from Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe comes as President Donald Trump pushes forward with expanded deportation efforts in his strict immigration enforcement. With thousands of people facing deportation, the U.S. is seeking countries willing to take in migrants whose home countries refuse to accept them back.
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Rwanda has been involved in migration agreements with Western nations, including a past deal with the U.K. to accept asylum-seekers.
In February, Secretary of State Marco Rubio secured an agreement with El Salvador to accept deportees regardless of nationality or origin. Many of those migrants have since been detained in El Salvador’s mega-prison known as CECOT.
Other countries are also cooperating with Trump officials. In February, Costa Rica and Panama agreed to accept deported individuals from Africa and Asia. U.S. officials are also reportedly negotiating additional agreements with Angola, Equatorial Guinea and Moldova.
Many of the migrants in question are considered “third-country nationals.” These are individuals who are not citizens of the deporting or receiving countries. They often travel with refugees or asylum-seekers in what the United Nations calls “mixed movements.”
The UN Refugee Agency emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between refugees, asylum-seekers and third-country nationals to ensure appropriate protections are applied.
Previous attempt to accept migrants from United Kingdom
Rwanda has experience with similar arrangements. In 2023, the United Kingdom’s Supreme Court struck down a migrant removal deal with Rwanda, ruling it unlawful. A revised asylum partnership was announced shortly after, promising to deter illegal entry and protect international refugees from harm and violence.
“Considering that the United Kingdom has a long proud history of providing protection to those who need it, in accordance with international obligations. As like-minded partners, the United Kingdom and Rwanda shall work together to promote a new, fair and humane approach to asylum, deter illegal migration and create safe and legal routes for those fleeing persecution,” according to the British government’s website.
The agreement was later canceled in 2024 under new leadership. Rwandan officials said the funds from the deal would instead be used to strengthen the country’s borders.
Human rights concerns in Rwanda
However, Rwanda’s suitability as a host country for migrants has been questioned by human rights organizations. Human Rights Watch has documented torture, forced disappearances and politically-motivated prosecutions within the country. Critics also cite Rwanda’s involvement in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the government backs the M23 rebel group. M23 has been accused of rape, murder and other war crimes since 2022.
Despite these concerns, Rwandan officials maintain the country is safe for migrants and refugees.
Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
