Rwanda has confirmed it is in discussions with Italy over a possible migration partnership, stressing that any future arrangement would build on the country’s long-standing humanitarian experience rather than represent a finalized agreement.
While appearing on local radio station Royal Fm, on Thursday, Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo said the talks remain at an early stage and that no agreement has been signed.
“These are discussions only. No agreement has been reached. What Italy is interested in is Rwanda’s experience in hosting vulnerable asylum seekers under the Emergency Transit Mechanism, and that is what we are discussing,” Makolo said.
The proposed initiative would see Rwanda temporarily host migrants or asylum seekers while their protection claims are processed, with individuals either voluntarily returning to their countries of origin or being resettled in third countries where they qualify for international protection.
Makolo said Rwanda’s willingness to explore such partnerships is rooted in its own history of displacement and its decades-long commitment to providing protection to refugees and asylum seekers from across the region and beyond.
Rwanda currently hosts asylum seekers evacuated from Libya under the Emergency Transit Mechanism (ETM), established in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the African Union.
Just this week, the country welcomed its 24th evacuation group, bringing more vulnerable people from Libya to the Gashora Transit Centre while durable solutions are sought.
The discussions with Italy come as Rome explores new approaches to managing irregular migration into Europe.
Media reports have indicated that Italy is considering Rwanda, Uganda and Ghana as potential partners for EU-supported migration processing arrangements.
The talks also revive international attention on Rwanda’s migration policy following the cancellation of its migration partnership with the United Kingdom.
Although that agreement was abandoned by the new UK government, Kigali has consistently maintained that its role in migration partnerships is centred on humanitarian protection, responsibility-sharing and creating safe pathways for displaced people.
Rwanda-DRC relations remain a separate priority
During the same briefing, Makolo also addressed relations between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), saying implementation of recent peace commitments remains a key priority.
She noted that Rwanda expects all parties to honour the agreements aimed at restoring stability in eastern DRC, emphasizing that lasting peace depends on addressing the root causes of insecurity, including the continued presence of armed groups that threaten regional stability.
Government updates on ethanol disposal
Makolo also provided an update on the government’s ongoing operation against illicit alcohol, saying authorities are continuing to safely dispose of hundreds of thousands of litres of ethanol seized in recent nationwide enforcement operations.
The destruction exercise follows a crackdown targeting ethanol that was being diverted for the production of substandard and illegal alcoholic beverages, which authorities say posed significant risks to public health and safety.
She said the government remains committed to protecting citizens through stronger enforcement while continuing public awareness campaigns against illicit alcohol production and consumption.
The briefing highlighted Rwanda’s broader policy approach of combining humanitarian responsibility, regional peace efforts and public safety measures as key pillars of government action.
