Rwanda is in talks with the US about taking in deported migrants. The country’s foreign minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, confirmed this on Sunday. He said discussions are ongoing with the administration of former President Donald Trump.
The news comes after US Senator Marco Rubio said in April that the US is looking for countries to take in migrants it deems undesirable. Rwanda has experience with this, having previously agreed to take in migrants deported from the UK. However, the UK scrapped the plan due to legal challenges after Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer became prime minister.
Nduhungirehe said Rwanda is open to giving migrants another chance and that talks with the US are continuing. Trump signed an executive order in January to speed up the deportation of undocumented migrants, as promised during his presidential campaign.
Other countries, including El Salvador, Panama, and Costa Rica, have also taken in migrants deported from the US. El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele said his country would take in deportees, including those with US citizenship, in exchange for compensation.
Background on Rwanda’s Migration Policies
Rwanda has a history of accepting migrants and refugees. The country’s government has shown willingness to work with other nations to address migration issues. In the past, Rwanda has taken in refugees from neighboring countries and has been involved in international efforts to resettle migrants.
The current discussions with the US are part of a broader effort by Rwanda to continue its role in addressing global migration challenges. The outcome of these talks is still uncertain, but Rwanda’s government is committed to finding solutions that benefit both its own citizens and the migrants it takes in.
Sources: BBC