Burundi has agreed to receive migrants deported from the US who are from third countries, according to an announcement made on October 1, 2026. The East African nation will only accept those who have not been accused of crime or terrorism links, said Nancy Ninette Mutoni, spokesperson for President Evariste Ndayishimiye. This move is part of a broader effort by the US to deport migrants to countries in Africa.
The US has been sending so-called third-country deportees to several African nations under deals that have been criticized by Senate Democrats for lacking transparency. According to reports, these deals have cost tens of millions of dollars. In many cases, deportees had secured legal protections from immigration courts in the US against repatriation. However, rights groups argue that the third-country deals allow the US to circumvent those protections.
Mutoni said that preparations are underway to arrange accommodation, living conditions, and integration into local communities for the deportees. The Burundian government is taking steps to ensure that the deportees are able to live alongside the local population and make a valuable contribution to national development. The spokesperson added that if the deportees choose to join Burundian citizens, they will be entitled to respect for the law.
The agreement between Burundi and the US aims to strengthen diplomatic relations between the two countries and provide hospitality to people in need. According to Mutoni, Burundi is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for the deportees. The country hopes that the deportees will be able to integrate into Burundian society and contribute to the country's development.
The US State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the agreement. A spokesperson for the Burundi foreign ministry said that details of the agreement were not yet available. The lack of transparency surrounding the deals has raised concerns among human rights groups and Senate Democrats.
Burundi's decision to accept US deportees from third countries is part of a growing trend of African nations receiving migrants deported from the US. Several other African countries have already agreed to receive deportees under similar deals. The move has been seen as a way for the US to circumvent its own immigration laws and deport migrants to countries that may not have the same protections in place.
The agreement has raised questions about the treatment and protection of the deportees, as well as the impact on Burundian society. While some have welcomed the move as a gesture of hospitality, others have expressed concerns about the potential risks and challenges associated with integrating deportees into Burundian society. The Burundian government has assured that it will take steps to ensure the safe and successful integration of the deportees.
Key points
- Burundi will only accept deportees who have not been accused of crime or terrorism links.
- The US has sent third-country deportees to several African nations under opaque deals that have cost tens of millions of dollars.
- The agreement aims to strengthen diplomatic relations between Burundi and the US, and provide hospitality to people in need.
