Trump Seeks Africa Partners for Migrant Deportations \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ South Sudan has accepted eight U.S. deportees, while Rwanda is in talks with the Trump administration for a similar migrant deal. Nigeria, however, is pushing back, refusing to accept third-country deportees. These quiet deals mark a shift in U.S. immigration enforcement, targeting African partnerships.
Quick Looks
- South Sudan accepts 8 non-citizen deportees from U.S.
- Rwanda confirms ongoing talks with Trump administration
- Nigeria rejects pressure to accept deported migrants
- Trump holds summit with five West African leaders
- U.S. border tsar confirms plans for more third-country deals
- Critics warn of human rights concerns and legal confusion
- African nations may weigh economic ties, visa incentives
- U.K. deportation deal with Rwanda declared illegal in 2023
- Human rights groups oppose deals with nations like Rwanda
- Advocates concerned over migrant safety post-deportation
Deep Look
U.S. Pursues African Deportation Partnerships as South Sudan Accepts Third-Country Migrants
The Trump administration’s immigration agenda has taken a new turn as it seeks to expand deportation partnerships with African nations—sending individuals not back to their countries of origin, but to third countries willing to receive them. South Sudan has already accepted eight deportees, only one of whom was a national, while Rwanda confirms it is negotiating a similar agreement. Nigeria, by contrast, has publicly refused such arrangements, citing national capacity concerns and sovereignty.
The moves represent a broader expansion of U.S. migration policy beyond the Western Hemisphere, marking the first known efforts to send migrants to African nations as part of a third-country deportation model. Previously, the United States focused similar efforts in Latin America, dispatching migrants to Costa Rica, Panama, and El Salvador.
While U.S. officials claim these agreements enhance border security and address national security threats, human rights advocates are raising alarms over the legality and ethics of transferring migrants to countries where they may have no legal status, ties, or protections.
Trump Hosts West African Leaders Amid Migration Talks
Earlier this week, President Donald Trump hosted leaders from Liberia, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Gabon, and Mauritania at the White House. Migration policy featured prominently on the agenda, including the question of whether African nations would accept deported nationals from other countries.
U.S. Border Enforcement Chief Tom Homan told reporters that such third-country arrangements are necessary. “If someone is a threat to public safety or national security, we are not letting them roam our streets. We will find a third, safe nation to send them to—and we’re doing it,” he said.
According to Liberian President Joseph Boakai, the summit included discussion about the issue, but Trump did not directly request that Liberia accept non-nationals. “They’re not forcing anybody, but they are asking how can we help,” Boakai told Liberian media.
Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embaló confirmed the topic was raised but did not elaborate further. Other West African governments did not respond to requests for comment.
Nigeria Pushes Back, Citing Domestic Burdens
Nigeria has taken a firm stance against the initiative. Foreign Minister Yussuf Tuggar said that while discussions with U.S. officials are ongoing, Nigeria has no intention of accepting third-country deportees. “We have our own challenges. We will not bow to pressure,” Tuggar said Thursday.
His remarks reflect concerns within many African nations that accepting migrants with no connection to the country would strain limited resources, spark local tensions, and violate international norms.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has faced increasing visa restrictions and aid cuts from the United States—factors that may be leveraged in future negotiations. Still, analysts say Nigeria is unlikely to shift its position unless substantial benefits are offered.
South Sudan Accepts U.S. Deportees, But Questions Linger
South Sudan remains the only African country confirmed to have accepted third-country deportees from the United States. According to reports, eight individuals were transferred in recent weeks, though only one was South Sudanese. The others had criminal convictions and were deported under still-undisclosed agreements.
The South Sudanese Foreign Ministry has declined to explain the terms of the deal, and the decision has sparked backlash from civil society and some government officials. “South Sudan is not a dumping ground for criminals,” said Edmund Yakani, a leading activist in Juba.
Analyst Alan Boswell of the International Crisis Group suggested the move was politically motivated. “South Sudan wants to avoid more visa bans and sanctions from the Trump administration. This could be a strategic favor,” he said.
Tom Homan, when asked about the individuals, admitted Friday he was unaware of their current legal status, saying only that “they are no longer in U.S. custody.”
Legal Concerns and Human Rights Risks
Legal experts and humanitarian advocates have voiced concern over the expanding use of third-country deportations. Michelle Mittelstadt of the Migration Policy Institute said the model creates “a legal grey zone” where deported individuals may lack legal protections or access to due process.
“There’s a lot of confusion and lack of clarity over who actually has control of these individuals when they’re deported to a third country,” Mittelstadt said, warning of serious safety and legal issues in countries with poor human rights records.
Rwanda, which is in talks with the U.S., has faced persistent criticism for abuses, particularly regarding the treatment of political dissidents in detention. The U.K. signed a similar deportation deal with Rwanda in 2022, but the U.K. Supreme Court ruled in 2023 that the agreement was illegal due to risks posed to asylum seekers.
Despite this precedent, Rwanda’s foreign minister confirmed last month that discussions with the Trump administration are ongoing. The U.S. State Department declined to comment.
Why African Nations Might Agree
According to Beverly Ochieng, a regional analyst at Control Risks, African nations facing U.S. sanctions, visa bans, or reduced aid may view participation in such deportation agreements as a bargaining chip. “If they can use this to unlock economic access or restore bilateral ties, it becomes a transactional issue,” she said.
This could be particularly tempting as developmental aid is withdrawn and tariff negotiations loom. While rights groups see the deals as coercive, governments under economic pressure may prioritize diplomacy over principle.
Still, backlash in countries like South Sudan signals the political cost of accepting migrants with no connection to the receiving country—especially when public support for such programs is virtually nonexistent.
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