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Burundi's Foreign Minister Stresses Human Rights in US Deportations of their citizens

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Bahati shalom

February 5, 2025

Burundi’s Foreign Minister urges respect for human rights in the US deportation of Burundians.

Burundi's Foreign Minister, Albert Shingiro, has speaks about the deportation of 462 Burundians

Burundi's Foreign Minister, Albert Shingiro, has spoken about the deportation of 462 Burundian citizens from the United States, emphasizing the importance of respecting their human rights. The news comes amid heightened activity on social media regarding the U.S. administration’s decision to expel certain foreign nationals. Shingiro addressed the situation during a press conference on February 3, 2025.


The foreign minister confirmed that the U.S. government had informed him of the decision to deport Burundians residing in the country without legal documentation. “I met with the U.S. ambassador to Burundi, who explained this new policy under the Trump administration.


It focuses on deporting foreign nationals who live in the U.S. without proper authorization,” Shingiro stated while reviewing his ministry’s work during the second half of the year.


Shingiro assured that Burundi is ready to receive its returning citizens, but he stressed that their rights must be upheld. “I told the ambassador that the Burundian government will cooperate, but it’s essential to ensure the human rights of these returning citizens are respected,” he said.

This move reflects a broader migration policy under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has tightened immigration measures affecting many nationalities.


According to available data, a total of 8,064 undocumented individuals from East African Community member states are set to be expelled, including 462 Burundians, 1,282 Kenyans, 1,062 Congolese, 136 South Sudanese, 4,090 Somalis, 301 Tanzanians, 338 Rwandans, and 393 Ugandans.


While recognizing the United States’ sovereign right to enforce its immigration policies, Shingiro emphasized the importance of respecting international human rights standards during such deportations.

“Every country in the world has the right to prevent undocumented individuals from residing within its borders. If a country chooses to expel them, that’s normal—it’s their sovereignty,” he said.

However, he stressed that these measures must align with international norms.

Although the Burundian government has pledged to reintegrate the returnees, questions remain about their future. Many of those being deported have established lives in the United States, and returning to Burundi may pose significant challenges. So far, the government has not announced any specific programs to assist these individuals with reintegration.


Apart from the deportation issue, Shingiro also addressed concerns about the economic impact of Donald Trump’s return to the White House. In particular, there are worries that U.S. aid to developing countries, including Burundi, might be suspended.


While acknowledging potential economic consequences, Shingiro framed the situation as an opportunity:

“This is a wake-up call for us. If aid is reduced, we must work harder to boost domestic production, export more, earn foreign currency, and grow stronger rather than relying on foreign assistance,” he said.

Shingiro reiterated that Burundi values international cooperation, but he also stressed that foreign aid should not be viewed as an entitlement. “We’re always happy to collaborate with other nations. However, Burundians don’t pay taxes to the United States,” he noted.

Burundi’s Foreign Minister urges respect for human rights in the US deportation of Burundians.

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