US Deports Seven Migrants to Rwanda under Controversial Agreement: Government Spokeswoman

In August, seven migrants were relocated from the United States to Rwanda under a migration agreement, according to Rwandan authorities. Initially, Rwanda announced its willingness to accept up to 250 deportees from the US.

Yolande Makolo, a representative of the Rwandan government, confirmed that “the first group of seven vetted migrants arrived in Rwanda during mid-August.”

Rwanda is one of four African nations that have entered into migration agreements with the US, alongside Uganda, Eswatini, and South Sudan. No details were disclosed regarding the identities of the individuals transferred to Rwanda this month.

Upon arrival, these migrants have been provided assistance by an international organization, as confirmed by Makolo. The International Organization for Migration has visited them, along with representatives from Rwandan social services.

Three of the individuals have expressed a desire to return to their home countries, while four have expressed interest in establishing lives in Rwanda. Those approved for settlement in Rwanda will receive workforce training and healthcare, according to Makolo.

The Trump administration has faced criticism for the African nations with which it has entered into confidential migration deals. In early July, eight men from South Sudan, Cuba, Laos, Mexico, Myanmar, and Vietnam were deported to South Sudan following a US Supreme Court ruling permitting their deportations.

The US also deported five men, citizens of Vietnam, Jamaica, Cuba, Yemen, and Laos, to the southern African nation of Eswatini, where they will be held in solitary confinement in prison for an unspecified duration. Uganda has agreed to a deal with the US to accept deported migrants, as long as they do not have criminal records and are not unaccompanied minors. High-profile detainee Kilmar Abrego Garcia is among those intended for deportation to Uganda.