Rwanda has confirmed that it is in negotiations with the United States regarding a potential agreement to accept deportees. According to Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, the talks are in their initial stages. Though the minister did not offer specifics of the proposed agreement, local media has previously reported that the US may fund a program to assist migrants in integrating into Rwandan society through financial support and job opportunities.
Minister Nduhungirehe emphasized that any such deal would be consistent with Rwanda’s ongoing commitment to humanitarian cooperation and addressing migration issues. The US State Department has not commented on a potential agreement but nevertheless underscored its strategy of engaging with foreign governments to curb irregular migration.
This is not Rwanda’s first instance of hosting deportees, as it had previously negotiated a controversial arrangement with the UK. Although initial preparations were completed, the deal fell through once the Labour party assumed power in 2024. Australia also attempted a similar policy, which similarly failed.
Despite its involvement in international migration policies, Rwanda has faced scrutiny regarding its human rights record. The country is currently involved in negotiations to broker a peace deal with the Democratic Republic of Congo concerning the activities of Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in eastern Congo. According to Nduhungirehe, Rwanda and Congo have submitted their draft proposals, with the expectation of signing a final peace agreement in the United States next month.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/06/rwanda-us-migrants-deportation
