Unease as Rwanda gears up for arrival of UK migrants
The picture is courtesy of Kyla Herrmannsen from BBC
Daniel Diew, an asylum seeker from South Sudan, attempted to reach Europe a total of seven times but was unsuccessful. He was eventually sent to Rwanda after being in Libya.
Rewrite: Written by Barbara Plett Usher Barbara Plett Usher is a prominent journalist, who has worked for various well-known media outlets.
, has reported that the President of Rwanda has cancelled the annual Umuganura festival due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19. The festival, which celebrates the country's harvest season, was due to take place on August 1st. In place of the festival, the President has called for Rwandans to embrace small-scale activities at home that focus on the importance of agriculture and food security. This is in line with the government's efforts to promote self-reliance and sustainability in the agricultural sector. The decision to cancel the Umuganura festival has been met with mixed reactions from Rwandans, with some expressing disappointment at missing out on the festivities while others applauding the President's caution in the face of the pandemic. While Rwanda has thus far managed to keep the number of COVID-19 cases low compared to other African nations, the government has continued to enforce strict preventive measures to contain the spread of the virus. These measures include mandatory mask-wearing, contact tracing, and quarantining of individuals who test positive for the virus.
For the last 664 days, Hope Hostel in Rwanda has been prepared to accommodate migrants from Great Britain who are not wanted there.
The Rwandan government is eager to occupy the empty rooms and halls within a short span of time, following the approval of the legislation by the UK Parliament.
Rwanda has mostly observed and refrained from interfering with the legal disputes in Britain regarding the contentious proposal to expel refugees to Rwanda, located in the eastern portion of Africa.
The human rights record of Kigali has been brought to attention by UK courts, as they have requested additional safeguards for individuals who are sent to this location.
Since the agreement was made two months earlier, Rwanda has been meticulously getting ready for their arrival in June 2022.
I recently visited a hostel in Kigali, the capital city, and was struck by how deserted it was. Ismael Bakina, the manager, kindly showed me around. The bedrooms were meticulously arranged, with thoughtful touches like prayer mats and hygiene products.
The gardeners are cutting the edges of the beautifully green area that has a football and basketball court. At the same time, individuals responsible for cooking and cleaning are actively fulfilling their duties in an almost surreal manner.
In addition, there is a large tent containing several rows of chairs, which is being used to handle the migrant's requests for asylum in Rwanda. Even if they don't meet the necessary criteria, they may still be qualified to receive residency permits. Alternatively, they could attempt to seek refuge in a different country, but they won't be permitted to return to the UK.
I was informed by Mr. Bakina that the hostel is prepared and eager to commence its operations immediately.
According to him, our arrangements are fully prepared to receive them, regardless of whether they arrive today or tomorrow. He affirms that we are constantly maintaining our state of readiness at 100%.
The Hope Hostel seems strangely deserted, however, the Rwandan authorities are keen to have it occupied in a matter of weeks.
From the hostel windows, you can gaze at the undulating hills of Kigali's well-maintained residential areas. The city is a sight for sore eyes, thanks to its well-structured streets that are securitized against wrongdoing. The catchphrase of the nation is "Rwanda works."
A portion of the individuals who arrived recently might be searching for employment opportunities in this region, however, there are conflicting opinions about whether Rwanda requires additional laborers.
According to Emmanuel Kanimba, who runs a restaurant in Kigali, he believes that it would bring economic benefits to the country.
I am aware that they will bring people to work for us, create things for us, and buy things from us. What's more exciting is the potential for fresh concepts they could introduce to our economy.
Another man asks, "Where can these people find job opportunities?" He goes on to say that even though he and others have graduated, they have not yet been successful in finding jobs and are actively searching.
He didn't want to be recognized discussing a perspective that went against the government's policies, indicating a sense of apprehension prevailing in the nation.
The picture used in this blog was taken by Phil Davies for the BBC.
There are some people who criticize the plan but are afraid to speak up and voice their disagreement.
Many people claim that dissent is being repressed by those in power. These individuals who voice their concerns include human rights organizations, political opponents, and even evaluations conducted by the UK's Foreign Office, as they have done so as recently as this year.
Victoire Ingabire, who is a prominent political figure and has been imprisoned for allegedly posing a threat to the national security, is using her legal battle to draw attention to the unfair treatment faced by asylum seekers.
According to her statement on the BBC, these are individuals who left their homeland due to a lack of means, due to conflicts, or due to oppressive regimes in power.
"They will arrive in a nation where they'll encounter similar hardships, unable to voice their opinions freely and lacking the same level of comfort they seek in the United Kingdom."
I am unable to comprehend the reason behind the British government's insistence on sending these individuals to Rwanda.
The Rwandan authority fiercely refutes this claim.
The legislative body of the country has implemented a new regulation to tackle the apprehensions expressed by the Supreme Court of Britain. This enactment included giving the green signal to confirm the acceptance of a recent agreement with the UK that reinforces safeguarding measures for refugees. This also includes ensuring that they will not be repatriated to the countries from where they sought asylum.
. The law permits individuals to express their opinions and grievances through peaceful protests. These protests can occur in public spaces and cannot be suppressed by the government or other authorities. However, protests that turn violent are not protected under the law and those who act unlawfully can be subject to penalties and legal action. Therefore, it is important to understand the legal guidelines and exercise the right to protest peacefully and lawfully.
I inquired with Doris Uwicyeza Picard, who is the head honcho responsible for the UK agreement, about whether those who migrate will have the freedom to speak out against the government and stage demonstrations if they so choose.
According to her, the laws in our country are straightforward regarding the privilege to demonstrate. It is safeguarded only under certain conditions.
If they choose to demonstrate peacefully while abiding by the law, they are invited.
However, she pointed out, "It is important to keep in mind that refugees, in general, and especially in terms of their involvement in political affairs, are limited by the guidelines set out in the Refugee Convention".
Rwanda has opened its doors to various individuals seeking asylum, and frequently highlights a stopover location situated south of Kigali as evidence of its capability to accommodate them with great care.
The UN's refugee agency manages a camp that accommodates Africans who were stranded in Libya while attempting to reach Europe.
The place provides a short-term refuge for individuals who are in a vulnerable position and are figuring out their next moves. It's possible for them to opt to make Rwanda their permanent home, although according to the manager of the camp, Fares Ruyumbu, none have made that choice yet.
'No Luck Finding Work Here'
Daniel Diew expresses his appreciation for being present despite his disturbing encounters. He is a slender and towering male who hails from South Sudan and has 11 siblings. As he wished to tend the needs of his family, he vacated his area seeking job opportunities.
Mr. Diew made seven attempts to cross the sea from Libya to Italy, but unfortunately, every time he was returned, he ended up in a prison.
He's now targeting North America as his next goal.
"He says he cannot find employment in this area."
I haven't come across many job opportunities since I've been here for five months. However, I consistently pray fervently for an opportunity to leave Rwanda.
Asking him about his emotions regarding being sent here after reaching Europe, he responded with a deep sigh and expressed his hope for God to shield him from such a fate.
The individuals who are currently lodged at the transit center or those who are yet to arrive are all hoping to secure a more promising future. It remains to be seen whether Rwanda will serve as a temporary stop, lead to no progress or become a permanent dwelling place for these migrants.
