Rwanda takes in first US deportees under controversial deal
Rwanda has received its first group of migrants deported from the United States, in a move that has drawn criticism from rights groups and raised questions about international law.
Government spokesperson Yolande Makolo confirmed that seven migrants arrived in mid-August after being vetted. Four will remain in Rwanda, while three chose to return to their countries of origin.
“All of these individuals will receive appropriate support and protection from the Rwandan government,” Makolo said, adding that they are currently being accommodated by an international organisation, with monitoring from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and local social services.
The deportations are part of a wider US policy initiated under former President Donald Trump to transfer undocumented migrants to third countries. At least a dozen nations have reportedly signed such agreements.
Rwanda has defended its role, citing its history of hosting displaced people. “Nearly every Rwandan family has experienced the hardships of displacement,” Makolo previously told the BBC. “We are confident we can provide safe accommodations and proper care.”
But human rights advocates say the policy risks violating international law. A Kampala-based activist warned that sending people to countries where they have no ties or protection “is deeply concerning”.
Uganda had earlier signalled willingness to host some US deportees, but a federal judge blocked the planned transfer of Colombian national Kilmar Abrego Garcia. His lawyers argued the move would amount to “exile in violation of international law”.
Rwanda has previously accepted thousands of migrants evacuated from Libya under UN and African Union frameworks. It also signed a deal with the UK in 2022 to take in asylum seekers, though that arrangement was later scrapped.
Analysts in East Africa say while countries like Uganda have strong refugee-hosting records, bilateral deportation pacts with Western powers present new legal and ethical challenges.
Rights groups argue the case of Abrego Garcia highlights broader concerns around transparency, accountability, and the treatment of deportees under such schemes.
