Rwanda has agreed to accept up to 250 deportees from the United States (US) under Donald Trump’s plan to send migrants to third countries they have no ties to.
Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo confirmed the agreement in a statement to the Associated Press, saying the country would review and approve each individual case before resettlement.
This makes Rwanda the third African country, after South Sudan and Eswatini, to accept such migrants.
Rwanda has agreed with the United States to accept up to 250 migrants, in part because nearly every Rwandan family has experienced the hardships of displacement, and our societal values are founded on reintegration and rehabilitation.
Also Read: Trump Offers Kenyans and Other Immigrants Ksh130,000 to Leave US; How to Apply
What the Trump Deportees Will Receive in Rwanda
Further, Makolo explained that those approved for resettlement would receive accommodation support, healthcare, and workforce training to help them start over in Rwanda.
However, she did not give a specific timeline for when the deportees would arrive or whether they would come all at once or in batches.
Moreover, the US government has defended the program as a way to deport individuals whose home countries have refused to accept them back.
“Under the agreement, Rwanda has the ability to approve each individual proposed for resettlement.
“Those approved will be provided with workforce training, healthcare, and accommodation support to jumpstart their lives in Rwanda, giving them the opportunity to contribute to one of the fastest-growing economies in the world over the last decade,” added Makolo.
Also Read: UK Refugees to Get Money If They Agree to Live in Rwanda.
US Sends Migrants to South Sudan and Eswatini
In July, 13 men described by the US as dangerous criminals were deported to South Sudan and Eswatini.
Some of them were held for weeks at a US military base in Djibouti as legal challenges continued in court.
However, the agreements with South Sudan and Eswatini drew criticism from human rights groups and legal experts.
For instance, in Eswatini, where political parties are banned and the king rules with absolute authority, deportees are reportedly being held in solitary confinement.
A human rights lawyer in the country has taken the government to court, accusing authorities of denying the men access to legal counsel.
On the other hand, in 2022, Rwanda entered into a deal with the United Kingdom to take in asylum seekers.
The migrants would have their claims processed in Rwanda and would remain there if granted refugee status.
However, the deal was cancelled by the UK Supreme Court in 2023, which ruled that Rwanda could not be considered a safe third country for asylum seekers.
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