First Deportees arrive in Rwanda as bilateral Agreement with U.S. takes effect
Rwanda has agreed to accept up to 250 deportees from the United States under the Trump administration's third-country deportation program
The Rwandan government has welcomed the first group of individuals arriving under a newly concluded agreement with the United States, marking the start of a bilateral program to manage deportations.
“The first group of seven vetted migrants arrived in Rwanda in mid-August … Three of the individuals have expressed a desire to return to their home countries, while four wish to stay and build lives in Rwanda,” Yolande Makolo, a government spokesperson, said on Thursday.
Officials offered no information on the nationalities of the seven deportees.
In August 2025, Rwanda had announced its willingness to accept up to 250 people deported from the United States under the agreement, which outlines humanitarian and resettlement measures.
This first group represents the initial step in implementing the bilateral arrangement, demonstrating Rwanda’s commitment to hosting migrants and individuals seeking asylum in collaboration with international partners.
The initiative highlights a new chapter in Rwanda–U.S. relations and aligns with Rwanda’s ongoing efforts to offer refuge and opportunities for displaced persons to rebuild their lives.
Rwanda, which has a population of 14 million people, claims to be one of the most stable countries in Africa and has drawn praise for its modern infrastructure.
The Trump administration has been negotiating arrangements to send people to third countries including South Sudan and Eswatini, formerly Swaziland, as part of its wider deportation drive.
