Rwanda has now received its first group of deportees from the United States. The deportations were made under a new deal with the administration of President Trump. A government spokesperson said seven vetted migrants arrived in Rwanda in mid-August.
Three of the individuals have expressed a desire to return to their home countries. The other four wish to stay in Rwanda and build new lives.
The United States has previously sent deportees to El Salvador and South Sudan. The new deal came after a similar agreement with Britain was recently scrapped.
Rwanda had agreed to the new scheme because of its own history of displacement. An anonymous activist said the deal was about money and political influence.
The agreement gives Rwanda an advantage in peace talks with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rights experts have warned that the arrangements could break international law.
They say that deportees could face the risk of torture and other abuses. President Paul Kagame’s government is often accused of human rights violations.