Rwanda inks migrant resettlement deal with US, to accept 250 exiles

Rwanda is set to accept up to 250 migrants deported from the US by President Donald Trump amid Washington’s intensified immigration enforcement under Trump 2.0. The deal, reportedly signed by Kigali this past June, is part of ongoing cooperation between the two countries according to Yolande Makolo, spokesperson for the Rwandan government.

Makolo declared that the deal is a testament to Rwanda’s societal values that were founded on reintegration and rehabilitation. Furthermore, she added that those who are approved will be supported with essential services like workforce training, healthcare, and accommodation support. Makolo said this would not only give the migrants an opportunity to rebuild their lives but also contribute to one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa over the past decade.

According to Reuters, the US has already submitted a list of 10 individuals for initial vetting. Notably, the deal gives Rwanda the authority to review and approve each case before resettlement. Importantly, the US is set to reward Rwanda in the form of a grant, though it is unclear how much it would be.

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Makolo said the two countries could extend the agreement beyond 250 people by mutual consent and added that those deported to Rwanda do not have to stay in the country and can leave anytime they choose.

The East African country follows nations like El Salvador and Costa Rica that have already taken in hundreds of migrants deported from the US by the Trump administration.

Rwanda has in recent years positioned itself as a destination country for migrants that Western countries would like to remove, despite concerns by rights groups that Kigali does not respect basic human rights.