Rwanda confirms early talks to host deported US migrants

KIGALI Rwanda AP Rwanda verified on Monday that discussions were underway with the United States regarding a anticipated agreement to host deported foreigners Rwanda s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe on Sunday notified state media that the talks were in the early stage When sought by The Associated Press on Monday he approved the talks Nduhungirehe did not disclose the specifics of the likely deal for Rwanda but previous local media reports suggest that the U S would likely fund a project to have settlers integrated into the society through stipends and job assistance initiatives This wouldn t be Rwanda s first time hosting deported settlers The East African nation previously had an agreement with the U K to host transients Plans for the initiative including prepared accommodations were in the final stages but the deal collapsed after the Labour Party took office in Rwanda has faced statements of human rights abuses and is right now in the process of brokering a peace deal with the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo where Rwanda-backed M rebels have been behind attacks in the mineral rich eastern Congo region Nduhungirehe explained state media on Sunday that Rwanda and Congo had already submitted their respective draft proposals which will form the basis of a final peace agreement document expected to be signed in the U S next month The minister noted the migrant deal between Rwanda and the U S was consistent with Rwanda s long-standing commitment to humanitarian cooperation and the pursuit of migration solutions Follow AP s Africa coverage at https apnews com hub africa Source