Seven individuals have arrived in Rwanda as part of an agreement to receive individuals relocated from the U.S., according to a statement from the Rwandan government.
“The initial group of seven screened individuals arrived in Rwanda in mid-August… Three have indicated they wish to return to their home countries, while four plan to remain and establish themselves in Rwanda,” said Yolande Makolo, a government spokesperson, on Thursday.
No details were provided regarding the nationalities of the seven individuals. Rwanda announced on 5 August its willingness to accept up to 250 people from the U.S., with the authority to evaluate each case before granting approval.
The first arrivals will be housed by an international organization, with support from the International Organization for Migration and Rwandan social services, Makolo stated.
The U.S. government has been pursuing efforts to relocate individuals under arrangements with other nations, including South Sudan and Eswatini, previously known as Swaziland.
In 2022, Rwanda entered into an agreement to receive relocated individuals from Britain, but the deal was later canceled following a change in the British government.
Kigali agreed to the arrangement with Washington because “nearly every Rwandan family has experienced the difficulties of displacement,” Makolo noted earlier this month. Those arriving in Rwanda will receive training, healthcare, and housing support, she added.
U.S. officials have argued that relocations to third countries are necessary when home nations refuse to accept returnees.
Legal experts have raised concerns that such relocations may violate international law if individuals face potential risks, including mistreatment or other abuses in the receiving country.
Rwanda, with a population of 14 million, describes itself as one of Africa’s most stable nations and has been recognized for its modern development. However, its previous agreement with Britain faced opposition from rights organizations and prolonged legal disputes.
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