RWANDA’S government announced on Friday its commitment to accepting migrants from Britain amidst ongoing criticism surrounding a contentious deportation plan. The decision follows recent legislation passed in the UK parliament to facilitate the deportation of asylum seekers, raising concerns among human rights advocates and international observers.
‘We are capable of receiving them,’ stated Alain Mukuralinda, Rwanda’s deputy government spokesperson, in response to the migration plan. Mukuralinda emphasised Rwanda’s long-standing role in receiving refugees from the Great Lakes region and beyond, highlighting the country’s readiness to provide temporary housing and support for migrants as they navigate the asylum process.
Despite objections and scrutiny from various quarters, including accusations against Kagame’s government of media repression and alleged support for rebel groups in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwandan officials remain resolute in their stance. ‘For two years, critics have just shouted without proposing another solution,’ Mukuralinda remarked, defending the decision amid vocal opposition.
The UK’s deportation legislation aims to deter perilous crossings of the English Channel by targeting human trafficking networks facilitating illegal migration. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak anticipates the first deportation flights within 10-12 weeks following the parliamentary approval of the legislation. The plan grants Rwanda the status of a ‘safe destination,’ enabling the implementation of deportation proceedings.
Addressing potential legal challenges, Mukuralinda suggested that any issues related to the plan’s execution would fall within the jurisdiction of British authorities. ‘If they lose before the courts … Rwanda will accept that decision,’ Mukuralinda affirmed, stressing Rwanda’s compliance with international legal processes.
Notably, the UK has already allocated significant funds, exceeding £200 million, toward the implementation of the deportation scheme. The logistical arrangements include temporary housing at a designated facility in Kigali, repurposed from a hostel previously housing genocide survivors, to accommodate the initial influx of migrants.
As the deportation plan moves forward amidst criticism and legal complexities, Rwanda remains poised to play a key role in facilitating the resettlement and processing of migrants from Britain, underscoring the broader challenges and debates surrounding immigration policies in both countries.
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