The Government of Rwanda has confirmed the arrival of seven migrants from the United States, marking the first phase of a bilateral resettlement agreement signed earlier this year between Washington and Kigali.
Yolande Makolo, spokesperson for the Rwandan government, stated that the group arrived in mid-August and is currently being accommodated by an international organization. The International Organization for Migration (IOM), along with Rwandan social services, is providing ongoing support and monitoring.
“Regardless of their specific needs, all of these individuals will receive appropriate support and protection from the Rwandan government,” Makolo said.
According to officials, three of the migrants have expressed a desire to return to their countries of origin, while four intend to remain in Rwanda and pursue long-term integration. The nationalities of the individuals have not been disclosed.
The agreement allows Rwanda to receive up to 250 third-country nationals vetted by U.S. authorities. Each case is subject to approval by the Rwandan government, which has committed to providing approved migrants with workforce training, healthcare, and accommodation support.
The initiative reflects Rwanda’s growing role in international humanitarian partnerships and migration management, amid shifting global dynamics around refugee resettlement and third-country relocation.
