The Rwandan government has confirmed it will receive up to 250 migrants from the United States, marking a new development in Washington’s ongoing efforts to relocate migrants to third countries.
Speaking to AFP on Tuesday, Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo said, “Rwanda has agreed with the United States to accept up to 250 migrants.”
While details remain scarce, Makolo clarified that the East African nation retains discretion over who will be resettled under the agreement.
“Kigali will maintain the ability to approve each individual proposed for resettlement,” she added.
This latest deal came as the U.S. ramps up its deportation agenda under the administration of President Donald Trump, which has sought out controversial arrangements with several countries, including South Sudan and Eswatini, to receive deported migrants.
The Rwanda-US agreement also followed the collapse of a similar pact between Kigali and the United Kingdom. That deal, which aimed to deport asylum seekers from the UK to Rwanda, was shelved after the British government that brokered it lost the 2024 national elections.
Makolo said Rwanda would share additional information in due course, “We will provide more details once these have been worked out.”
