Rwanda confirms early talks to host deported US migrants

Rwanda and Washington are in the early stages of talks to receive immigrants from the United States, the Rwandan foreign minister told state media.

Washington has been pushing a mass deportation drive, with President Donald Trump’s administration negotiating highly controversial arrangements to send migrants to third countries.

The African nation – often viewed as a stable country in a turbulent region – previously made a similar multimillion deal with Britain to receive deported illegal migrants. However, it was scrapped immediately after a new government was elected last year.

Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe confirmed earlier reports that Rwanda was among countries talking to Washington over a migrant deal, following a question on state TV on Sunday.

“Those reports are true, we are engaged in discussions with the Government of the United States of America,” he said.