Kigali
The Rwandan government has confirmed an agreement with the United States to receive up to 250 migrants scheduled for deportation from the US. This move is part of President Donald Trump’s campaign promise to ramp up mass deportations of undocumented migrants.
Speaking on Tuesday, Rwanda’s government spokesperson Yolande Makolo said the agreement is grounded in Rwanda’s history of addressing refugee issues and forced migration.
“Every Rwandan family has experienced the hardship of displacement, so we highly value the principles of integration and restoring human dignity,” Makolo said.
Rwanda is now the third African country, after South Sudan and Eswatini, to agree with the US to accept migrants who are not citizens of those countries.
Human Rights Concerns Raised
The agreement comes as Trump continues to implement his 2024 campaign promise to deport millions of undocumented migrants, with estimates reaching 11 million people.
However, the plan has sparked serious questions about the human rights and safety of migrants, especially those sent to “third countries” with no historical, family, or geographical ties.
Critics argue that some migrants may be sent to countries where they do not speak the language or where they face harsh conditions and potential abuse.
“Under this agreement, Rwanda will have the capacity to vet and approve every individual proposed for relocation to the country,” Makolo explained.
She added that approved migrants will receive job training, healthcare services, and housing to help them start new lives and contribute to Rwanda’s economy.
Financial Support from the US
Reuters reports that Rwanda will receive financial assistance from the US as part of the deal, although the exact amount has not been disclosed.
The agreement includes strict conditions — migrants with records of sexual abuse of minors will not be accepted. Rwanda will only take in those with no criminal records or those who have fully served their sentences.
Political Ties
In June, Trump boasted of brokering a peace deal between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during a meeting with leaders from both countries at the White House.
Critics say the deal was superficial and ignored allegations of Rwanda’s support for the M23 rebel group, responsible for severe violence in eastern DRC.
Political analysts suggest Rwanda is trying to strengthen its international influence by gaining favor with the Trump administration, hoping for economic or diplomatic benefits.
“This agreement reinforces Rwanda’s interest in maintaining good relations with the Trump administration,” said Rwanda political analyst Gonzaga Muganwa.
International Context
This is not Rwanda’s first agreement to accept migrants from Western countries. In 2022, it agreed with the United Kingdom to receive asylum seekers. However, the UK’s Supreme Court dismissed that plan in 2023, ruling that Rwanda is not a safe country for migrants.