By metros.co.ke/
Published: May 6, 2025
Rwandan officials have confirmed that they are in preliminary discussions with the United States over a possible migration agreement that may see deportees from third countries — including Kenyans — relocated to Rwanda instead of being returned to their home nations.
Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe revealed on state television that talks are underway with Washington.
“We are now in talks with the U.S. about a deal on migration,” he said. “It’s not the first time that we’d be engaging in such a kind of deal.”
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Kenyans in the U.S. Could Be Affected
This proposed arrangement could impact Kenyans living illegally in the United States, particularly those:
- without legal immigration status
- facing deportation
- affected by President Trump’s strict immigration policies
The Trump administration has been actively seeking countries willing to accept deportees — even individuals with no links to the receiving country.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently stated that the U.S. intends to relocate people it considers “dangerous” or “undesirable”:
“We want to send you some of the most despicable human beings to your countries… and the further away the better.”
Rwanda has shown willingness to participate, positioning itself as a preferred partner for such deals.
U.S. Position on the Talks
A U.S. State Department spokesperson said that cooperation with foreign governments is crucial to:
- deter illegal migration
- secure America’s borders
- improve deportation logistics
While details remain undisclosed, this means Kenyans deported from the U.S. may be sent to Rwanda, not Kenya.
UK’s Failed Rwanda Plan Raises Concerns
The proposed U.S.-Rwanda plan mirrors the controversial UK-Rwanda deportation agreement, which collapsed in 2024 after nearly $1 billion had been spent.
Rwanda is still demanding unpaid funds from the U.K. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer dismissed the plan as:
“An insult to anyone’s intelligence.”
Human Rights Concerns and Regional Tensions
Human rights groups argue that Rwanda under President Paul Kagame is unsafe for resettlement due to:
- restricted political freedoms
- persecution of opposition figures
- alleged human rights violations
Journalist Michela Wrong, an expert on Rwanda, warned that the deal is dangerous and may align with U.S. interests in stabilizing the region — or easing pressure on Rwanda over its role in the Congo conflict, where M23 rebels backed by Rwanda have taken control of several areas.
U.S. as Peace Broker in the Great Lakes Region
President Trump’s Africa adviser Massad Boulos said both Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have submitted peace proposals, with the U.S. mediating and exploring investment opportunities in the region’s rare mineral sector.
What This Means for Kenyans
If the U.S.-Rwanda migration deal is finalized:
- Kenyans facing deportation may NOT be returned to Kenya
- They could instead be relocated to Rwanda, a country many have never lived in or visited
- This could reshape deportation procedures for thousands of undocumented migrants
The negotiations mark a major shift in U.S. immigration policy and could redefine how African migrants’ deportation cases are handled.
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