Rwanda has become the fourth African nation to accept migrants deported from the United States under the Trump administration’s third-country deportation program.
In August, seven vetted migrants arrived in Rwanda, marking the initial phase of an agreement allowing up to 250 deportees.
The identities of these individuals remain undisclosed, and they are currently housed by an international organization with oversight from the International Organization for Migration and Rwandan social services.
The Rwandan government has pledged support for the deportees, with spokesperson Yolande Makolo stating that those approved for settlement will receive workforce training, healthcare, and accommodation.
Three of the seven deportees wish to return to their home countries, while four intend to stay and build lives in Rwanda.
This arrangement follows Rwanda’s broader strategy of positioning itself as a destination for migrants, despite past criticism over its human rights record and involvement in regional conflicts.
The Trump administration’s push to deport migrants to third countries like Rwanda, Uganda, Eswatini, and South Sudan has drawn criticism.
Rights groups argue that sending migrants to nations with no personal connection is cruel and potentially unsafe, citing poor human rights records in some of these countries.
For example, Eswatini has confined five U.S. deportees in solitary confinement, prompting legal challenges.
Critics also express concern that such deportations treat African nations as a “dumping ground” and may bypass scrutiny of U.S. detention practices.