African Union Criticises U.S. Deportation Deals With Rwanda, Uganda

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

The African Union’s human rights commission has voiced concern over agreements allowing the United States to transfer deported migrants to Rwanda, Uganda, and other African nations.

In a statement issued on Monday, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) urged the countries involved to uphold transparency and protect the dignity and rights of migrants affected by the deals. It warned that such arrangements risk turning Africa into a “dumping ground” for deportees.

The commission said the transfers reflect a strategy of outsourcing migration responsibilities and could expose deportees to violations of international law. It highlighted possible breaches of the non-refoulement principle, the ban on mass expulsions, and rights guaranteed by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Uganda is the latest to reach an agreement with Washington, joining Rwanda, South Sudan, and Eswatini. Rwanda recently confirmed the arrival of seven deportees from the U.S., part of a broader plan to take in 250 people.

These deals trace back to the Trump administration, which pressed African leaders to accept third-country migrants denied asylum in the U.S. Responses have varied: while some states have agreed, others, including Nigeria, have rejected American requests.