United States pressuring us to accept Venezuelan deportees – Nigerian govt

Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar has raised concerns over efforts by the United States to persuade African nations to receive deported Venezuelans — some of whom have been recently released from prison — saying Nigeria cannot take on such a burden given its own domestic challenges.

Speaking in an interview with Channels TV from Brazil during a BRICS summit, Tuggar stated:”You have to also bear in mind that the U.S. is mounting considerable pressure on African countries to accept Venezuelans to be deported from the U.S., some straight out of prison,” he said.”It will be difficult for a country like Nigeria to accept Venezuelan prisoners into Nigeria. We have enough problems of our own.” He cited the country’s already sizable population of over 230 million as one key constraint.

The comments come amid reports that the U.S. administration, under President Donald Trump, has been asking African leaders to accept third-country nationals as part of its broader strategy to speed up deportations when direct repatriation to their home countries is delayed or not feasible.

According to two sources familiar with the matter, five African presidents — from Liberia, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, and Gabon — were presented with the plan during meetings at the White House this week.

An internal document from the U.S. State Department, cited by The Wall Street Journal, reportedly asked African governments to cooperate in ensuring the “dignified, safe, and timely transfer from the United States” of migrants from third countries.

The White House has not issued a response to inquiries on the issue.
Since resuming office in January, Trump has prioritized swift removals of undocumented migrants, including through alternative agreements with third-party nations.

(REUTERS)