Rwanda has officially announced its agreement to accept up to 250 migrants from the United States. This arrangement follows discussions between the Rwandan government and the administration of former President Donald Trump. During these negotiations, key aspects of the deal have been made clear, notably the provision of essential services such as workforce training, healthcare, and accommodation to help these individuals reintegrate into life in Rwanda, as confirmed by government spokesperson Yolande Makole.
Under this newly established agreement, Rwanda reserves the right to approve each migrant scheduled for resettlement, a provision Ms. Makole emphasized in her statements. While the White House has refrained from commenting on this specific deal, they mentioned ongoing dialogues with various countries willing to assist in the removal of undocumented migrants, indicating a broader strategy to manage immigration issues in the United States.
Since Trump’s return to power in January, his administration has concentrated on implementing an ambitious mass deportation strategy aimed at swiftly extracting undocumented migrants from the nation, a promise that featured prominently in his campaign. Speculation about a potential agreement between the United States and Rwanda had started to circulate as early as May, when US Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarked that Washington was actively searching for foreign nations to take in what he termed “some of the most despicable human beings,” hinting at migrants with criminal backgrounds.
Rwanda’s involvement in this arrangement being part of a larger trend, as discussions have taken place with several African nations to accept deported migrants whose home countries have refused to take them back. Specifically, countries such as Eswatini and South Sudan have recently accepted some deportees, including those with criminal convictions.
Yolande Makole noted Rwanda’s historical experiences with displacement, stating, “nearly every Rwandan family has experienced the hardships of displacement.” She remarked on the country’s ingrained values surrounding reintegration and rehabilitation, echoing sentiments expressed previously by the Rwandan Foreign Affairs Minister. The Minister highlighted Rwanda’s history, including the 1994 genocide, as fostering a national spirit of providing second chances to migrants facing difficulties globally.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that Rwanda has previously undertaken humanitarian efforts, such as evacuating nearly 3,000 refugees and asylum seekers trapped in Libya under a deal with the UN refugee agency and the African Union between September 2019 and April 2025. Many of these individuals have subsequently found resettlement in other countries.
Rwanda’s involvement in international migration discussions isn’t solely focused on the US. Previously, the UK government crafted a similar agreement with Rwanda in 2022 for accepting asylum seekers. However, that deal was ultimately scrapped under the new Labour government, which came into power amidst significant legal challenges to the scheme.
Although Rwanda’s acceptance of migrants from the US presents new opportunities, it also raises critical questions about the government’s human rights record. High-profile human rights advocates have voiced their concerns that relocating migrants to a third country could violate international laws. There are apprehensions regarding the potential for individuals sent to Rwanda to face further deportation to perilous environments, given the nation’s past.
Despite these concerns, Rwandan officials maintain their commitment to providing a safe haven for migrants. However, the country continues to face scrutiny over its alleged support of groups like the M23 rebel faction in the ongoing conflict within the Democratic Republic of Congo, allegations which it has consistently denied. Remarkably, in June, Rwanda and DR Congo signed a ceasefire agreement as part of a longer-term peace initiative aimed at resolving decades of conflict in that region.
As details surrounding this US-Rwanda agreement evolve, including potential financial assistance from the US, it remains to be seen how effective the program will be in providing a new chapter for those resettled in Rwanda and how it will align with international laws and standards.
