Deporting humans becomes big business, as Brussels and Washington race to pay African countries to take them

The EU and the US appear to be engaged in a race to sell people they want to deport to African countries, in a human commerce where the highest bidder is likely to secure the best deal. This weekend, European interior ministers are gathering in Munich, with Austria, Denmark, Germany, Greece, and the Netherlands expected to thrash out deportation ideas in the hopes of finally launching their dream to secure a so-called return hub, possibly in Rwanda. Among the Munich attendees will be the EU’s home affairs commissioner Magnus Brunner, whose presence comes amid a growing chorus that any such (yet-to-be defined) facilities will be financed from the EU’s next long-term budget. Denmark’s foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen earlier this week dropped some clues, telling reporters they hope to finalise an agreement with Rwanda in November. “It’s about broader cooperation, which we are building up with six African countries this autumn. We are trying to structure it in a new and more strategic framework,” he said. With Denmark opening up a flashy embassy in Kigali earlier this year, the Danes are facing steep competition from the Americans in their collective race to lubricate potential host countries with cash and other gifts. To read this story, log in or subscribeEnjoy access to all articles and 25 years of archives, comment and gift articles. Become a subscriber for as low as €1,75 per week.Read without limitsAlready a subscriber? Login