Rwanda on Tuesday became the third African nation to agree to accept deportees from the United States under the Trump administration’s plans to deport illegal immigrants.
Rwandan government representative Yolande Makolo told The Associated Press in a statement that the East African country would accept up to 250 deportees from the U.S., with “the ability to approve each individual proposed for resettlement” under the agreement.
Makolo said the agreement with the U.S. was Rwanda doing its part to help with international migration issues because “our societal values are founded on reintegration and rehabilitation.”
“Those approved [for resettlement in Rwanda] 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,” she said.
Makolo didn’t provide a timeline for any deportees to arrive in Rwanda or say if they would arrive at once or in several batches. She said details were still being worked out.
The U.S. sent 13 men, determined to be dangerous criminals who were in the U.S. illegally, to South Sudan and Eswatini in Africa last month and has said it is seeking more agreements with African nations. It said those deportees’ home countries refused to take them back.
The U.S. has also deported hundreds of Venezuelans and others to Costa Rica, El Salvador and Panama under President Donald Trump’s plans to expel people who entered the U.S. illegally and are “the worst of the worst.”
Rwanda attracted international attention and some outrage when it struck a deal in 2022 with the U.K. to accept migrants who had arrived in the U.K. to seek asylum. Under that proposed deal, their claims would have been processed in Rwanda and, if successful, they would have stayed there.
The contentious agreement was criticized by rights groups and others and was ultimately scrapped when Britain’s new Labour government took over.
Are the Trump administrations deportation efforts beneficial for the U.S.?
Gonzaga Muganwa, a Rwandan political analyst, said “appeasing President Trump pays.”
“This agreement enhances Rwanda’s strategic interest of having good relationships with the Trump administration,” he explained.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
Advertise with The Western Journal and reach millions of highly engaged readers, while supporting our work. Advertise Today.
