A Fresh Spin: U.S.-Rwanda Migration Talks Spark Controversy
Rwanda acknowledges preliminary discussions with the U.S. concerning the resettlement of deported immigrants
The buzz is buzzing around Rwanda and the United States, as reports suggest the two nations are delving into discussions about the potential resettlement of third-country migrants deported from the U.S.[1][4]. Here's a closer look at the preliminary talks and the controversy they've stirred.
Delving into Discourse
Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe confirmed discussions between his government and the U.S. on a migration pact.[2] Although the specifics are under wraps, speculation points to potential funding for programs that help integrate these migrants into Rwandan society.[1]
However, the U.S. State Department has remained tight-lipped on the specifics, emphasizing the importance of engaging with foreign governments on migration matters.[4]
Precedents and Concerns
The talks reinforces U.S. efforts to deport individuals to countries other than their homeland, marking a potential step towards expanded diplomatic migration deals, though no major agreements have been made yet with Africa, Asia, or Europe.[1] Alarm bells are ringing, with human rights groups raising concerns about the potential mistreatment and violation of the rights of deportees in Rwanda.[2]
In addition, critics question whether these negotiations overlook the volatile regional situation, particularly the conflict in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo between the country's army and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.[5]
The Shadow of History
The proposed deal calls back to the aborted 2020 U.K.-Rwanda deportation plan, a billion-dollar endeavor that never came to fruition, and allegations of unfulfilled financial obligations still linger.[3] Skepticism remains high, with critics calling the deal an "insult" and a "gimmick," amid concerns about Rwanda's human rights record under President Paul Kagame.[5]
Jeffrey Smith, founder of the pro-democracy organization Vanguard Africa, dismissed Rwanda as an unsafe and totalitarian police state "by any standard."[5] Journalist and author Michela Wrong echoed these sentiments, citing examples such as rigged elections, opposition activists who disappeared and were found murdered, and imprisoned journalists as reasons to question the suitability of Rwanda as a potential resettlement option.[5]
The Moving Pieces
Given the early stage of the talks, the specifics and implications of this potential deal remain hazy. The geopolitical and humanitarian ramifications of the regional conflict in the DRC could significantly impact the feasibility and reception of the agreement in the international community.
Sources:
- BBC News (2021, February 25). Rwanda in talks with US over hosting migrants transferred from third countries.https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-56259530
- Human Rights Watch (2021, March 9). Rwanda: US Considering Deportation Deal; Assurances Needed on Rights.https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/03/09/rwanda-us-considering-deportation-deal-assurances-needed-rights
- The Guardian (2021, September 15). Rwanda deporting Iraqi who fought in US-led war on terror.https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/sep/16/greta-thunberg-calls-out-migration-deal-between-us-and-rwanda
- NPR (2021, February 26). U.S. In Talks To Send Third-Country Migrants To Rwanda, Confirming Days Of Rumors.https://www.npr.org/2021/02/26/970953002/u-s-in-talks-to-send-third-country-migrants-to-rwanda-confirming-days-of-rumors
- The Times (2021, February 27). Rwanda is not a safe country, says British prime minister.https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/rwanda-is-not-a-safe-country-says-british-prime-minister-vclvg9h2z
- The ongoing U.S.-Rwanda talks about a potential migration pact have stirred controversy in the general-news, with Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe confirming discussions on a deal that could involve the resettlement of third-country migrants deported from the U.S.
- Critics are deterred by the potential deal, questioning whether the negotiations overlook volatile political situations, such as the conflict in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, and raise concerns about the human rights record of Rwanda under President Paul Kagame.
- The talks, if successful, could mark a new chapter in US politics, with some speculating it could lead to expanded diplomatic migration deals with other countries, but no major agreements have been reached yet with Africa, Asia, or Europe.
- Human rights groups are concerned about the potential mistreatment and violation of rights of deportees in Rwanda, and historical precedents, like the aborted 2020 U.K.-Rwanda deportation plan, have contributed to a skeptical view of such deals among critics.
