Rwanda has begun receiving migrants deported from the United States under a controversial bilateral arrangement, confirming that seven people were transferred in mid-August.
Government spokeswoman Yolande Makolo announced that the “first group of seven vetted migrants arrived in Rwanda in mid-August.” She added that the deportees are currently housed by an international organization with oversight from the International Organization for Migration and Rwandan social services.
“Three of the individuals have expressed a desire to return to their home countries, while four wish to stay and build lives in Rwanda,” Makolo said in an AP report. Those who choose to remain will be given health care and workforce training.
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Earlier this month, Rwanda said it would take in as many as 250 deportees from the U.S. It is one of four African nations, along with Uganda, Eswatini, and South Sudan, that has signed such agreements with the U.S. government.
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While officials did not release the identities of the seven deportees, the arrangement follows similar transfers in July. At that time, the U.S. deported eight men of various nationalities, including South Sudan, Cuba, Laos, Mexico, Myanmar, and Vietnam, to South Sudan. Days later, five men from Vietnam, Jamaica, Cuba, Yemen, and Laos were flown to Eswatini, where the government confirmed they would be placed in solitary confinement for an indefinite period.
Uganda has also accepted a deal but restricts intake to deportees without criminal records or unaccompanied minors. American authorities have indicated plans to send Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a high-profile detainee, to Uganda under the arrangement.
The Trump administration has faced sharp criticism over these secretive deportation deals with African governments, which critics say lack transparency and expose migrants to uncertain futures.
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