Rwanda has signed a new agreement with the United States to receive up to 250 migrants, reinforcing its reputation as a sanctuary for displaced populations.
Government spokesperson Yolande Makolo highlighted Rwanda’s historic experience with displacement and its enduring commitment to reintegration and rehabilitation.
Speaking to Rwanda TV on Tuesday, August 5, she confirmed that the country would retain the authority to vet each case individually. Those accepted will receive healthcare, workforce training, and housing support as they begin new lives in one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies.
This latest pact builds on Rwanda’s track record of providing refuge to migrants and asylum seekers, particularly through its collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Between September 2019 and April 2025, Rwanda received 2,760 refugees evacuated from Libya via the Emergency Transit Mechanism. Most were from conflict-affected countries including Eritrea, Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan. Over 2,100 of them have since been resettled in third countries. Rwanda’s approach continues to garner international attention for its proactive and structured support of vulnerable populations.