The Court of Appeal’s ruling contradicted a previous decision by the High Court in December 2022, which had deemed the deportation plan lawful and in accordance with the refugee convention. The plan, known as the “Migration and Economic Development Partnership,” was established in April 2022 to facilitate the transfer of migrants and asylum seekers illegally present in the UK to Rwanda.
The implementation of the plan faced delays when organizations advocating for migrants’ rights filed a complaint, resulting in the Court of Appeal reviewing the case and subsequently ruling against the deportation of asylum seekers to Rwanda.
Despite the court’s decision, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Home Secretary Suella Braverman have consistently defended the deportation plan, highlighting Rwanda’s successful management of refugee and migrant crises.
As he addressed the Commons Liaison Committee on Tuesday 4th July 2023, Sunak expressed confidence in challenging the court’s ruling, emphasizing that the safeguards and reassurances received from Rwanda are sufficient.
In response to questions about whether his pledge to “stop the boats” would be affected by the ruling, LBC reported, Sunak stated that it was not on hold and cited the UK’s deal with Albania as an example.
The recent ruling prompted dissatisfaction from the Rwandan government. Yolande Makolo, a spokesperson for the Rwandan government, expressed disagreement with the court’s decision, emphasizing Rwanda’s contributions to addressing the global migration crisis and its commitment to providing a secure and dignified environment for migrants and refugees, where they enjoy equal rights and opportunities.
Makolo reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to making the partnership with the UK work.
The opening of the border on Wednesday 5th July 2023, has been announced via Twitter handle.
“The Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration [DGIE] is pleased to inform the general public that Rwempasha/Kizinga border post, a new border between Rwanda and Uganda situated in Nyagatare District is open to all travelers, effective today, 5th July 2023,” reads the tweet.
The border post was initially opened in 2007 in response to citizens’ request for improved cross-border trade in the area.
However, it had been temporarily closed for renovations for quite some time. The recent reopening marks the completion of the renovation works, allowing for the resumption of regular border operations.
The meeting took place on July 4, 2023, as President Kagame stopped over in the country on his way to Trinidad and Tobago.
The Senegalese Presidency has revealed that President Sall welcomed President Kagame upon his arrival at Léopold Sedar Senghor International Airport, after which the talks commenced.
The discussions took place just a few hours after President Macky Sall announced that he would not be seeking a third term during the presidential elections scheduled for February next year.
While topics discussed between the two heads of state were not disclosed, it is known that Rwanda and Senegal are actively collaborating to enhance local vaccine manufacturing capabilities at a continental level.
Both Rwanda and Senegal were identified in 2021 as potential regional vaccine manufacturing hubs in Africa. Consequently, plans are underway to establish manufacturing plants in Kigali and Dakar, in collaboration with BioNTech and the European Investment Bank.
Senegal and Rwanda have maintained diplomatic relations for several years, and in 2021, the country’s embassy in Rwanda celebrated its 10-year anniversary.
Over the years, the two nations have signed various agreements at different levels, encompassing political, economic, and cultural cooperation. It is worth noting that Senegal is among the African countries where Rwanda has an embassy, further solidifying their bilateral ties.
Gorgor Unit Commander Mahdi Iman said the operations were carried out in the two villages of El-Haji and El-Dhigtar, located in Galcad town.
Iman told the Somali National News Agency that the aim of the early Tuesday operation was to flush out remaining al-Shabab terrorists who have been terrorizing residents in the Galgaduud region.
During the operation, the troops successfully located and removed improvised explosive devices that had been planted along the road by terrorists, Iman said.
Terror incidents have been witnessed in Galcad town which is one of the towns where the Somali security forces liberated from al-Shabab terrorists in early 2023.
Iman said security forces will intensify operations in the area to flush out al-Shabab militants who have been attacking the locals and collecting illegal levies from the residents in the area.
The latest onslaught comes as the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) said on June 29 it had completed the first phase of troop withdrawal from Somalia.
The ATMIS was expected to withdraw 2,000 troops by the end of June and another 3,000 by September in compliance with the UN Security Council Resolutions 2628 and 2670, which mandate the ATMIS to also hand over security responsibilities in agreed areas to Somali security forces.
According to Rwanda’s Presidency, Kagame will begin his visit by addressing a Special Plenary session of CARICOM before attending a closed caucus session alongside leaders of both associate members and member states of the organization.
CARICOM is a grouping of twenty countries established in Trinidad and Tobago in July 1973, when Prime Ministers of Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago signed the Treaty of Chaguaramas with the aim of functional regional cooperation and integration.
The Treaty was later revised in 2002 to allow for the eventual establishment of a single market and a single economy.
President Kagame is also expected to be hosted to dinner by Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Christopher Rowley.
He is invited to attend the meting after Rwanda embarked on a journey to cement ties with Caribbean countries through his previous visits to Jamaica and Barbados.
During his visit to Jamaica in April last year, Kagame joined Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness for ‘Think Jamaica 2022’, a public dialogue discussing various topics including the future of Africa-Caribbean partnerships.
The Head of State that there is deep connection between Africa and the Caribbean countries.
“The Caribbean and Africa have a lot in common, beginning with people. There is that deep connection that the geographical distance can’t eliminate. So, the first thing we have to do is create that environment and possibility for people to travel [for instance] from Caribbean to Rwanda and East Africa or other parts of Africa and vice versa,” he noted.
Kagame observed that this can be achieved through fixing visa related issues.
“We have to deal with visa issues and make sure we create waivers so that we really encourage this connection knowing that we have interest in one another, we can benefit one another. There is a lot we can do, whether it is trade [and more] different things. But we have to be very practical with the right things first, which is first even to carry the message to people and say why not connect as close as we can. I think these are the practical things we have to do,” he stated.
CARICOM country members include Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Haiti, Jamaica, Grenada, Guyana, Montserrat, St. Lucia, Suriname, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as well as Trinidad and Tobago.
The Model village valued at Rwf18.4 billion was constructed by Rwanda Defence Force in partnership with other Government Institutions and handed over to 120 families as Rwanda marked the 29th Liberation Day Celebration.
The Model Village consists of residential houses, Early Child Development (ECD) school, a mini-market, furniture workshop (Agakiriro), a health post and a poultry shed. The facility also has tarmac roads, electricity and water.
While addressing residents, Premier Ngirente first expressed solidarity with the local population who recently suffered from disasters that claimed lives of citizens and destroyed infrastructures in Rubavu District and other districts in Western and Northern provinces.
In his remarks, Dr. Ngirente said that Rwanda’s achievements in the last 29 years were possible due to unity, good leadership and security the country has enjoyed, thanks to the leadership of President Paul Kagame.
He emphasized that the real meaning of Liberation is to strive for development and encouraged the population to work hard and achieve more development.
The event was attended by Senior Government Officials including Ministers, Defence and security officials including the Senior Defence and security Advisor to the President, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector General of Police among others.
As Rwanda celebrated its 29th Liberation Day on 4th July 2023, Kagame called on the youth to actively contribute to the nation’s development and ensure that the hard-fought gains are not squandered.
In a tweet commemorating the occasion, President Kagame paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom and dignity of every citizen in Rwanda. He acknowledged the immense sacrifices made by individuals who fought for the country’s liberation, with some paying the ultimate price.
Directly addressing the youth, Kagame stressed their responsibility in continuing the nation’s transformation. He urged them to pick up from where the country has been brought and play their part in preserving the fruits of the sacrifices made by the previous generation.
The Head of State underscored that the journey towards a prosperous and inclusive Rwanda requires unwavering commitment and resilience.
“The journey to transforming Rwanda requires us to stay the course, stand up for who and what we are, and sustain the resilience we need to build the nation all Rwandans deserve,” he stated.
The President’s remarks highlighted the significance of continuity and collective effort in securing a brighter future for the country. He encouraged the youth to actively shape Rwanda’s destiny and contribute to its growth and development.
During a televised session called “Ask The President,” Kagame elaborated on Rwanda’s journey to reconstruction, emphasizing the challenge of rebuilding a shattered nation and positioning it on the global map. He acknowledged that bringing the country back together and helping people understand their history and the challenges they face were among the most difficult aspects of the past 30 years.
Among others, Kagame recognized the importance of improving people’s livelihoods and emphasized the need for individuals to deliver a standard of living worth experiencing. While the government and institutions have a role to play as enablers and creators of a supportive environment, individuals themselves must take responsibility for their well-being.
Over the past three decades, Rwanda has made remarkable progress in various sectors, including economic development, healthcare, education, and social cohesion. President Kagame attributes this success to the resilience and determination of Rwandans.
As Rwanda looks to the future, President Kagame’s message serves as a reminder to the younger generation of their duty to honor the sacrifices of the past and actively contribute to the nation’s ongoing transformation. By building upon the progress achieved so far, Rwanda can continue its journey towards becoming a prosperous and inclusive nation.
In an interview with the national broadcaster as Rwanda celebrated its 29th Liberation anniversary on Tuesday 4th July 2023, Kagame criticized the report for its lack of insight into the real issues in the Great Lakes Region and its failure to suggest effective solutions.
Kagame questioned the purpose of such reports, raising concerns about whether they genuinely aim to resolve problems or simply serve to maintain the status quo while providing financial opportunities for certain individuals and countries.
He highlighted the report’s failure to adequately address the plight of Congolese refugees who have sought shelter in Rwanda due to persecution and hate speech in DR Congo. According to Kagame, the report falls short in its understanding of the problem and fails to offer viable solutions.
One of Kagame’s main criticisms is that the UN Group of Experts did not visit Rwanda to speak with the refugees who fled from DR Congo. He viewed this omission as a significant flaw that calls into question the credibility of the report. Kagame suggested that the experts’ reluctance to engage with the refugees may be indicative of bias or a predetermined narrative.
Kagame also criticized the report for its selective focus on certain armed groups, such as the M23 rebel group and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), while disregarding the threat posed by the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).
The President emphasized that over 120 armed groups operate in eastern Congo, including the FDLR, which is composed of genocidaires who have been integrated into Congolese Army (FARDC).
Kagame argued that the report downplays the existence and significance of the FDLR, distorting the overall understanding of the situation.
Moreover, Kagame expressed disappointment that the report did not provide a comprehensive analysis of the armed groups and their intentions. He expected the report to clarify the identities, actions, origins, and intentions of these groups, and to propose concrete actions to address the situation.
Kagame highlighted that the pacification of eastern DR Congo is not just about one country but also neighboring nations, including Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. He urged Rwandans to remain focused on their priority of ensuring the security of their nation and its people, regardless of the challenges and disturbances in the surrounding region.
RPA soldiers launched the Liberation Struggle on 1st October 1990. The four-year journey ended with the capture of Kigali City where the then government which perpetrated Genocide against Tutsi fled to former Zaïre, in the current Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
As Rwanda celebrates the 29th Liberation Anniversary, we have listed below important dates that marked the journey to free the country from the regime characterized by ethnic divisionism and nepotism.
{{In 1990}}
{{On 1st October: }} On this date, RPA soldiers attacked Kagitumba border. The attack marked the beginning of the Liberation Struggle which lasted for four years after members of RPF Inkotanyi decided to free the country by means of war.
Initially, RPA soldiers were commanded by Maj Gen Fred Gisa Rwigema but attacks were foiled by soldiers of the then regime of Habyarima on the support of mercenaries.
Some of top commanders were killed in the first 14 days of the struggle which left gaps in the leadership of RPA and affected soldiers’ morale.
President Paul Kagame who was at the rank of major at the time took over the leadership and introduced new tactics during the remaining days of the struggle.
{{On 2nd October: }} The commander of RPA soldiers, Gen Maj Gisa Fred Rwigema was shot dead in Nyabwishongwezi.
{{On 4th October: }} 300 French soldiers came to protect its citizens living in Rwanda while RPA forces from the 9th battalion captured Nyagatare town.
In the night of 4th leading to 5th October, the government of Habyarimana lied that Inkotanyi raided Kigali City and arrested over 10,000 Tutsis and many politicians.
{{On 5th October: }} 535 Belgian soldiers and others from Zaire came to Rwanda to support Habyarimana.
{{On 6th and 7th October: }} The 4th Battalion of RPA soldiers captured Gabiro.
{{On 8th October:}} Following the exchange of fire with RPA soldiers; the then government forces (FAR) killed 1,000 Tutsis from Hima tribe in Mutara.
{{From 11th to 13th October: }} Nearly 400 Tutsis were killed in Commune Kibilira.
{{On 23rd October:}} Major Bunyenyezi and Major Bayingana died in an ambush laid in Ryabega.
{{On 13th November:}} Habyarimana allowed opposition parties to operate. He also declared that people’s ethnicity should no longer be mentioned on identity cards even though it never materialized.
{{On 6th December:}} Kangura journal published the 10 commandments of Hutus, including eight inciting Hutus to be violent against Tutsis.
{{In 1991}}
{{On 3rd January:}} RPA changed tactics and launched attacks in Gatuna and Kaniga to block the supply of equipment to FAR.
{{On 7th January: }} A number of Rwandans were handed death sentence accused of spying for Inkotanyi.
{{On 23rd January: }} RPA captured Ruhengeri town and released inmates from Ruhengeri Prison.
From the last days of January towards March: Between 500 and 1000 Tutsis from the Abagogwe tribe were killed.
{{In 1992}}
{{In March: }} A group of Hutu extremists (CDR) that was at the centre of planning and execution of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was created. Around 300 Tutsis were also killed in Bugesera.
{{In May:}} RPA’s attack in some communes left over 350,000 people displaced.
{{In August: }} A large number of Tutsis were killed in Kibuye.
{{In November:}} Leon Mugesera delivered a hate speech in Kabaya where he incited Hutus to exterminate Tutsis, insisting that they will be returned to ‘their place of origin’ in Ethiopia through River Nyabarongo.
{{In 1993}}
{{On 8th February: }} RPA captured the largest part of the country and withdrew to alert the international community that Tutsis were being killed of torture.
{{On 8th March:}} An international report indicated the role of the then Presidency Office in the killings of Abagogwe in Gisenyi and Ruhengeri Prefectures.
{{On 7th April:}} The then government received the report and rejected its findings.
{{In August:}} Spread of hate speeches and inciting Rwandans to kill Tutsis through Radio RTLM.
{{On 4th August:}} As RPA and the then regime were asked to implement resolutions of Arusha Peace Accords; the government continued to train Interahamwe, Impuzamigambi and other groups to kill Tutsis.
{{On 28th October:}} The 3rd Battalion of RPA soldiers arrived in CND in Kigali, aligning with efforts to establish the interim government as per Arusha Accords.
{{In 1994}}
{{On 6th April: }} A regional meeting took place in Dar-es-Salaam. The plane which carried the then President Habyarimana was shot down on the same day around 8:30 p.m. as he returned to Kigali from the meeting.
{{7th April:}} Prime Minister Uwilingiyimana Agathe and 10 Belgian soldiers protecting her were killed. Other ministers and officials opposing the regime were killed.
Genocide began in Butare, Gitarama and Murambi in Byumba.
{{On 8th April:}} RPA soldiers decided to attack Kigali and stop Genocide against Tutsi.
{{On 14th April:}} Belgium ordered its troops to withdraw from Rwanda and UN troops deployed in the country. The last soldier left Rwanda not later than 20th April.
{{On 18th April:}} RPA shot at RTLM over spreading hatred among Rwandans.
{{On 19th April: }} The interim President Sindikubwabo delivered a speech at his birthplace in Butare inciting Hutus to stand up and kill Tutsis. Since then, anyone opposing the plan was also hunted to be killed.
{{On 21st April:}} RPA captured Byumba.
{{On 21st and 22nd April: }} UN Security Council ordered the reduction of its troops in Rwanda and left only 270 soldiers.
{{On 30th April: }} RPA was controlling the Rusumo border.
{{On 16th May:}} RPA blocked the road Gitarama-Kigali.
{{On 22nd May:}} RPA captured Kigali International Airport and Kanombe Military Camp.
{{On 29th May:}} RPA captured Nyanza town.
{{On 2nd June: }} RPA liberated Kabgayi.
{{On 13th June:}} RPA captured Gitarama town where the interim government had moved. It had fled to Gisenyi on 10th June.
On 21st June: As per the 929th resolution of the UN, the first French troops arrived at borders between Rwanda and Zaire under “Operation Turquoise”.
{{On 28th June:}} UN released a report indicating that Genocide against Tutsi was happening in Rwanda.
{{On 4th July:}} RPA liberated Kigali City after Butare on the previous day. Since then, the former government fled to Zaire.
{{On 14th July:}} RPA captured Ruhengeri.
{{On 17th July:}} RPA liberated Gisenyi.
{{On 19th July:}} The Government of Rwanda’s Unity was installed, marking the stop of Genocide against Tutsi.
Speaking at a forum in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, the scientists acknowledged Africa’s escalating climate crisis, adding that the continent’s tropical forests hold the key to a green and resilient future for local communities.
Convened by the Nairobi-based African Forest Forum, the five-day pan-African forum starting on Monday has brought together policymakers, scientists, botanists, and green campaigners to discuss the role of forests and tree-based ecosystems in advancing the continent’s green agenda.
Godwin Kowero, executive secretary of the African Forest Forum, said by protecting the continent’s indigenous forests, grassroots communities will benefit from climate resilience and transformed livelihoods.
“The sustainable management of forest resources will be key to boosting our resilience to climatic shocks, providing income to rural communities, and stabilizing the environment,” Kowero said.
According to Kowero, the contribution of the forest ecosystem to Africa’s response to climate change is recognized by multilateral environment agreements and the continent’s long-term growth and transformation blueprint.
He said despite contributing less than 4 percent to global greenhouse gas emissions, Africa remains the epicenter of climate disasters, including droughts, floods, wildfires, and tropical storms.
Kowero called for policy reforms, enforcement of legislation, and engagement of the private sector and communities to reverse forest degradation, worsened by climate change, population pressure, and lax policing.
Joshua Cheboiwo, director of the Kenya Forestry Research Institute, stressed that sustainable utilization of tropical forests, mangrove swamps, and savannah grasslands will aid Africa’s quest to achieve net-zero targets.
Cheboiwo said the continent should leverage its forest resources to tackle rural poverty and food insecurity, and spur local manufacturing and cross-border trade in natural products.
