Rwanda has received its first group of seven migrants from the United States as part of a deal to accept deportees.
According to Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo, the migrants arrived in mid-August, with three expressing a desire to return to their home countries and four wishing to stay and build lives in Rwanda.
The nationalities of the deportees have not been disclosed.
The deal, which was announced on August 5, allows Rwanda to approve each individual proposed for resettlement, with up to 250 migrants expected to be accepted from the US.
The migrants will be accommodated by an international organization, with visits from the International Organization on Migration and Rwandan social services.
Makolo explained that Rwanda agreed to the scheme because “nearly every Rwandan family has experienced the hardships of displacement,” and those who arrive will receive training, healthcare, and accommodation.
This agreement is part of the US Trump administration’s push for deportation drives, negotiating arrangements to send people to third countries, including South Sudan and Eswatini.
Human rights experts have raised concerns that such deportations risk breaking international law by sending people to nations where they may face torture, abduction, and other abuses.
Rwanda’s government has faced criticism for human rights violations and crushing political dissent, but the country has drawn praise for its modern infrastructure and stability.
