The United States and Rwanda have reached an agreement under which Kigali will receive up to 250 migrants deported from the U.S., according to a Rwandan official who requested anonymity.
Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo stated that the agreement aligns with “community values based on reintegration,” noting that “almost every Rwandan family has experienced displacement.”
Under the agreement, Rwanda will provide migrants with vocational training, healthcare, and housing support, while retaining the right to approve each individual prior to resettlement.
Rwanda will also receive a financial grant from the United States, the amount of which has not been disclosed, and the deal excludes criminals and child sex offenders.
The Trump administration aims to ramp up deportations to third countries despite criticism from human rights advocates who view the policy as harsh and dangerous.
Notably, Rwanda had previously signed a similar agreement with the United Kingdom in 2022, which was later scrapped due to legal challenges.
This deal comes as Washington seeks to accelerate the deportation of undocumented migrants, while Kigali continues to position itself as a destination for displaced persons despite ongoing human rights concerns.
