Kigali: Rwanda has announced its agreement to cooperate with the Trump administration by accepting up to 250 migrants as part of the US’s deportation strategy. The Rwandan government stated that it would offer resettlement to those deemed eligible under this arrangement.

According to Deutsche Welle, the Rwandan government confirmed the decision on Tuesday, with spokesperson Yolande Makolor stating that Rwanda would maintain the right to approve each individual proposed for resettlement. However, specific details regarding the timeline for the arrival of deportees and any potential compensation for Rwanda were not disclosed.

Mokolor emphasized Rwanda’s commitment to addressing international migration issues, citing the country’s values of reintegration and rehabilitation. She assured that those approved for resettlement would receive workforce training, healthcare, and accommodation support to help integrate them into Rwanda’s rapidly growing economy.

The Trump administration’s policy of sending migrant deportees to third countries has been contentious, facing legal challenges up to the US Supreme Court, where it was upheld. Human rights activists have expressed concerns about potential violations of international law, fearing that migrants could be subjected to human rights abuses in their new host countries.

The White House defends the practice as a necessary measure for dealing with migrants whose home countries refuse their return. In a recent instance, the US sent deportees to Eswatini, where they are reportedly being held in solitary confinement without detailed disclosure of the US-Eswatini arrangement.