Kigali – Seven migrants deported from the United States arrived in Rwanda in mid-August, the first group under a deal that could see up to 250 people sent to the East African country.
Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo said four of the migrants chose to remain in Rwanda, while three opted to return to their home countries. The deportees are being accommodated by an international organisation and are receiving support from Rwandan social services, with visits from the International Organization for Migration to assess their needs.
Rights groups have warned that deportations could violate international law if people are sent to countries where they face risks of abuse. The Trump administration has pursued mass deportation of undocumented migrants, signing agreements with at least a dozen countries, including Rwanda, Uganda, Eswatini, and South Sudan.
Rwanda has defended its participation, citing its own history of displacement and ability to provide a safe environment for migrants, despite concerns over its human rights record. Migrants approved to stay in Rwanda will receive workforce training and access to health care.
Previously, Rwanda evacuated nearly 3,000 refugees and asylum seekers from Libya under agreements with the UN and African Union. The country had also entered a similar asylum deal with the United Kingdom, which was later cancelled by the current UK government.
The US has also deported migrants to Eswatini and South Sudan under separate agreements, drawing international scrutiny over the secrecy and conditions of these deals.
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