Overview

• The Rwandan government said seven vetted people arrived in mid-August under a U.S. arrangement, with three seeking return to their home countries and four opting to remain in Rwanda.
• Rwanda previously agreed to consider up to 250 U.S.-referred cases on a case-by-case basis with support from the International Organization for Migration and Rwandan social services.
• Officials disclosed no identities or nationalities for the first group, and said an international organization is providing accommodation.
• Rwanda becomes the third African nation to take U.S. deportees as the program expands, following transfers to South Sudan and Eswatini and an agreement in principle with Uganda.
• AP reporting notes eight men were sent to South Sudan and five to Eswatini in earlier cases described by U.S. officials as involving violent offenders, while rights groups warn such deals risk breaching non-refoulement obligations.