The court ruled against the deportation scheme under the Migration and Economic Development Partnership, a bilateral agreement signed between Rwanda and the UK in April of last year.
This agreement mandated the UK to provide an upfront investment of £120 million to fund various opportunities for both Rwandans and migrants, such as secondary qualifications, vocational training, language lessons, and higher education.
Initially, the deportation arrangement aimed to deter illegal crossings into the UK and reduce the annual budget allocated for handling illegal migrants. In a bid to expand support for deportations, Rwanda and the UK signed an additional agreement earlier this year.
The intention was to ensure that upon arrival in Rwanda, asylum seekers from African countries and other regions would be treated with dignity, similar to Rwandans. The plan included providing assistance for those willing to return to their home countries.
The scheduled arrival of the first group of migrants in Rwanda was originally set for July 2022.
However, this deadline was extended following a complaint filed by organizations advocating for migrants’ rights.
In December 2022, the High Court in the UK initially ruled in favor of the country’s deportation policy, allowing the implementation of the migration and economic development partnership.
However, campaigners contested this decision and brought the case to the Court of Appeal, which has now ruled against the deportation plans.
According to The Telegraph, three judges from the Court of Appeal reached a majority decision of two to one, stating that Rwanda does not qualify as a safe country for asylum seekers.
Consequently, the court deemed the deportation of migrants to Rwanda for the purpose of claiming asylum to be unlawful.
This ruling contradicts the stance of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Home Secretary, Suella Braverman who had repeatedly defended the deportation plan, highlighting Rwanda’s track record in effectively managing refugee and migrant crisis.
In response to the ruling, reports indicate that the Prime Minister and Home Secretary are expected to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.
This decision comes at a time when Rwanda has initiated the construction of approximately 40,000 permanent homes, with a portion of them designated for migrants removed from the UK.
Ramkalawan extolled President Kagame on Wednesday as he began a two-day visit to Seychelles where he was invited as the guest of honour at the celebration of 47th National Day scheduled on 29th June 2023.
“I congratulate you personally for your leadership not only in Rwanda but also at the African Union level and as a world leader. You are an example to the whole world that Africa indeed has great leaders,” said Ramkalawan.
“You led your country through so many difficulties and today Rwanda is considered as one of the safest countries in the world. […] We want to emulate your example,” he added.
Ramkalawan went on to say that President Kagame gave hope to the continent when he was the chairperson of the African Union where he came forward with solid plans.
“Today, we are still reading through the pages of your vision. And it’s that vision that Africa truly needs, not only to sustain itself but to silence the guns as we keep saying but at the same time to keep working in environment protection, strengthening economy of various countries as well as in the field of health and education,” he noted.
Among others, Ramkalawan reminisced on the fact that Rwanda, will later this year see the opening of a factory that will manufacture vaccines and considered it another great step for ‘the continent that is marred by so many illnesses’.
He underscored that the initiative will not only be beneficial to Rwanda but also to Seychelles as well as the rest of Africa.
Rwanda and Seychelles are both members of the Commonwealth and the Organization Internationale de La Francophonie (OIF).
President Kagame assumed Chairmanship of the Commonwealth in June last year as Rwanda hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
Ramkalawan also expressed gratitude to Kagame for the leadership he continued to show during his term expected to end next year.
“Earlier this year, at the coronation of King Charles III, we had a chance to discuss under your chairmanship the role of the youth. As this year is the Commonwealth year of the youth, we want to push our young people to greater heights,” he noted.
After holding discussions on the first day, Rwanda and Seychelles signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in different areas of mutual benefit including health, defence and security, tourism and agriculture among others.
Both countries also signed an MoU paving the way for visa exemption for their people.
Ramkalawan highlighted that his country will work closely with Rwanda, particularly mentioning that Rwanda has one of the best police academies which his country’s police forces will use at all levels.
He said that Seychelles wants to learn from Rwanda’s experiences in agriculture and hailed Rwandan troops intervention to fight terrorism in Mozambique.
“What we signed today marks the confirmation of the solid relations that we want to take forward,” noted Ramkalawan.
He highlighted that a delegation from Seychelles will visit Rwanda before the end of this year where contacts have been already established between various ministries.
As Ramkalawan said, the visit aims to explore other areas of cooperation and concretize what has been already signed.
“We look forward to continuing the friendship and sharing of our two peoples,” he noted.
On his part, President Kagame disclosed that he had very productive discussions with Ramkalawan noting that Seychelles and Rwanda are driven by common aspirations to improve the quality of life for their citizens working hand in hand with partners in the region and beyond.
Building on strong bilateral ties and bonds of friendship, Kagame said, both countries intend to deepen cooperation across strategic areas and areas of mutual benefit including health, defence and security, tourism and agriculture among others.
“For Seychelles and Rwanda, tourism is a key driver of economic growth. Collectively, there is a lot we can do to make the sector more sustainable and resilient.
Tourism creates enormous opportunities for our connectivity and commercial links , bringing businesses from Seychelles and Rwanda closer together,” he stated.
Kagame highlighted that Rwanda and Seychelles are united in their membership of international organizations where they had the opportunity to continue aligning priorities and views through these platforms.
The Head of State also expressed optimism for stronger collaborations between our two countries.
“In moments of uncertainty where the world is experiencing an overlapping crisis, we are even more determined to work together,” he stated.
President Kagame is visiting Seychelles for the second time. Meanwhile, his counterpart from the Seychelles, Ramkalawan, was in Rwanda for CHOGM last year.
Following a two-month trial, Hategekimana was found guilty of committing genocide offenses during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in various areas of the Nyanza district in the Southern Province. At the time, he served as an Adjutant Gendarme in the former government, which planned and executed the genocide.
Hategekimana was convicted of genocide crimes and crimes against humanity, including his involvement in massacres in Nyanza, Nyabubare, Nyamure, Ntyazo, and Isar Songa. Witnesses, including survivors of the genocide and fellow gendarmes, testified that Hategekimana either led gendarmes in firing upon Tutsi individuals or coordinated with both gendarmes and Interahamwe militias at roadblocks. Numerous witnesses reported seeing Hategekimana himself firing at Tutsi victims or making explicit threats to kill them in various locations.
The court also found Hategekimana responsible for the killings of Bourgmester Nyagasaza Narcisse, who was the mayor of the then Ntyazo commune, as well as police officer Pierre Nyakarashi and Musonera, also known as Sana Sana. Hategekimana was further held accountable for the killings that took place at the Rwesero, Mushirarungu, and Nyanza roadblocks.
Me Richard Gisagara, representing the civil parties, highlighted Hategekimana’s attitude throughout the trial among other contributing factors to the decision to impose a life sentence.
Gisagara said that he showed no remorse, consistently denied all accusations, and pretended not to recognize any of the witnesses.
Hategekimana,66, chose to remain silent towards the end of the trial, except for a statement proclaiming his innocence. His defense team, consisting of four lawyers, continued to present arguments on his behalf.
Hategekimana was arrested in Cameroon in 2018 and subsequently deported to France, where he had acquired citizenship under the false identity of Philippe Manier by deceiving the French authorities. The defense has ten days to file an appeal, but no party expressed an intention to do so on the day of the ruling.
This case marks the sixth genocide trial concluded in France thus far. Previous convictions include Pascal Simbikangwa, who received a 25-year sentence; Ngenzi Octavien and Tito Barahira, who were handed life imprisonment on appeal; Claude Muhayimana, sentenced to 14 years; and Laurent Bucyibaruta, who received a 20-year sentence.
Hategekimana’s trial began on 10th May 2023.
His life sentence represents the latest outcome in the pursuit of justice for the crimes committed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
On Monday, June 26, the World marked the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, under the theme:”People first: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention.”
The day is marked every June 26, to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society.
Over the years, Rwanda National Police (RNP) in partnership with other institutions and the citizenry, through community policing, has continued to make strides against narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, which are considered one of the major setbacks for youth development in Rwanda.
In the operations conducted over the past weekend, Police and residents of Rubavu, Nyabihu, Burera, and Kayonza districts–some of the major transit routes for narcotics and illicit brews – seized 35 kilograms of cannabis from four suspected traffickers and distributors, who were also taken into custody.
Rwanda has emerged as a shining example of effective governance and socio-economic progress. Alongside its remarkable strides in economic development, the country through the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1), has set up strategies to fight against drug trafficking and abuse that are indeed gaining momentum.
This multi-faceted approach, rooted in preventive measures, rehabilitation programmes, and law enforcement efforts, exemplifies Rwanda’s commitment to fostering a drug-free society and safeguarding its citizens.
The national strategy to combat drug abuse begins with a strong emphasis on prevention – recognizing that addressing the root causes is crucial; it is against that backdrop that the government in partnership with stakeholders launched extensive awareness campaigns in communities, media outlets and in schools by championing the creation of anti-drug clubs.
Those initiatives aim to educate the public about the dangers of drug abuse and promote healthy lifestyle choices. By empowering individuals with knowledge, Rwanda is building a society equipped to resist the lure of substance abuse.
One can’t talk about the progress made in combating drug abuse and trafficking, and overlook the awareness and rehabilitation programmes.
The RNP, in the implementation of the national anti-drugs strategies, has pursued a multifaceted approaches that involve awareness to kills the market, mapping the trafficking routes and enforcement targeting mainly suppliers; creating 2000 anti-drugs clubs in schools and communities but also supporting reformed drug dealers and rehabilitated addicts with alternative small income generating activities.
In 2021, the RNP supported community development activities to a tune of close to Rwf1 billion as part of its 21st anniversary also known as ‘Police Month.’
At least six cooperatives in fishing, hog farming and poultry in Rubavu were given a financial support of over Rwf40 million. The are former drug dealers , addicts, smugglers and those who were formerly engaged in other illegal activities.
Last year, more Rwf2.5 billion were pumped into community development projects across the country as part of the RNP activities to mark its 22nd anniversary. This includes a financial facility amounting to over Rwf35 million to cooperatives.
Furthermore, with more than 730,000 youth volunteers across the country, they have been instrumental in raising awareness against the scourge.
The national rehabilitation centres of Iwawa, Gitagata and Nyamagabe ensure that those affected by drug abuse receive the necessary assistance through several activities that cost at least Rwf4 billion on annual basis, according to NRS figures.
The rehabilitation centres offer a holistic approach that includes counselling, therapy, vocational training, and reintegration support. By focusing on both physical and psychological healing, Rwanda is giving individuals a chance to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society as productive citizens.
Efforts invested in fighting against drug trafficking and abuse would not be complete without good governance, effective institutions at the backdrop of community ownership and active engagement.
Police also work to dismantle drug trafficking networks, curb the flow of illicit substances across borders and disrupt supply chains in the main transit routes that include Kirehe, Nyagatare, Burera, Gicumbi, Rubavu, Rusizi and other districts on borderlines.
{{What the law says}}
Rwanda has strict laws regarding drug abuse and illicit trafficking. The country has implemented legislation to combat these issues and protect public health and safety.
For instance, Ministerial order No 001/MoH/2019 of 04/03/2019 establishing the list of narcotic drugs and their categorization classifies cannabis in the category of “very severe narcotics”
Article 263 of law No 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offences and penalties in general states that any person, who unlawfully produces, transforms, transports, stores, gives to another or who sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, commits an offence.
Cannabis, heroin, cocaine and other hard drugs are classified as very severe narcotic drugs in Rwanda.
Upon conviction for “very severe narcotics,” the offender faces between 20 years and life imprisonment, and a fine of between Rwf20 million and Rwf30 million.
The RNP Karate team is preparing for upcoming competitions, including the annual tournament organized by the embassy of Japan in Rwanda.
DIGP Ujeneza thanked the Japanese embassy for the partnership in sports development, particularly in mykarate.
“Rwanda National Police puts much efforts in developing talents of Police officers to supplement the national sports development, including karate, and we commend the partnership,” DIGP Ujeneza said.
On her part, the Deputy Head of mission, Yukako thanked the karate team for their commitment as demonstrated in their training, and commended the role of the RNP in sports development.
Among them, 1,012 had their prison terms reduced, 171 were pardoned over their remaining terms, and the others had their fines reduced or annulled, according to the statement.
Eid al-Adha, known as the “Feast of Sacrifice,” is one of the biggest Muslim festivals.
Chinese ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian said that China, as the world’s largest developing country, was highly optimistic about promoting economic growth not just in the EAC but also on the entire African continent.
The statement said Chen made the remarks when she officially handed over eight vehicles, including three buses and five double-cabin pickups, to the EAC headquarters in Tanzania’s northern city of Arusha Tuesday.
The donation of the vehicles, which were from the most well-known Chinese automobile manufacturers, including Zhongtong and JMC, will assist the EAC by improving its capacity in organizing and coordinating meetings and events across the region, said Chen, noting China had also dispatched technicians and assorted motor vehicle spare parts to aid in the maintenance and operations of the vehicles.
The Chinese envoy said China will remain a staunch and strong supporter of the EAC on development, and reaffirmed her country’s desire to strengthen collaboration and solidarity with the regional bloc for the mutual benefit of both parties.
“China highly appreciates the significant contribution made by the EAC in maintaining regional peace and stability, improving regional infrastructure, jointly fighting against COVID-19, promoting regional economic integration and economic recovery of countries in the region,” said Chen.
Receiving the vehicles on behalf of the EAC secretary general, Peter Mathuki, the director of Social Sectors at the EAC secretariat, Irene Isaka, thanked the Chinese government for the generous donation, saying the assistance was a demonstration of the excellent relations existing between China and the EAC.
“The friendly relations between China and the EAC have continued to develop in-depth, and pragmatic cooperation in various fields has achieved remarkable results,” said Isaka.
Isaka said last year, China donated funds to the EAC to support EAC’s development projects and the 4th EAC Youth Leadership Summit.
“China has also continued to make substantial contributions in the region, especially in the areas of infrastructure development projects geared towards the promotion of intra-EAC trade,” she said.
“About five million children under the age of five are estimated to be facing acute malnutrition in 2023 in the Horn region, in the Greater Horn. That is about 10.4 million, that is just a staggering figure,” a UN statement issued Monday quoted Liesbeth Aelbrecht, incident manager for the greater Horn of Africa emergency at the World Health Organization (WHO), as saying.
The UN humanitarian agencies, in a joint statement, warned that climate concerns are key to food security in the coming months.
Global forecasts indicate that El Nino weather pattern conditions are already present and will strengthen through the rest of the year, which could bring above-average rains during the October-to-December rainy season across eastern parts of the region, including much of Kenya, the Somali region of Ethiopia, and Somalia.
“El Nino may somewhat reduce the risk of flooding in flood-prone areas such as South Sudan,” the statement quoted Brenda Lazarus, food security and early warning economist at Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Subregional Office for Eastern Africa, as saying.
According to UN figures, the 60 million people severely food insecure include more than 15 million women of reproductive age, 5.6 million adolescent girls and close to 1.1 million pregnant women.
Close to 360,000 of them are expected to give birth in the next three months, according to the UN.
Women who are forced to look for food just to survive “do so at the expense of their own health,” the statement quoted Michael Ebele, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) regional humanitarian adviser for East and Southern Africa, as saying.
The UN said malnutrition among pregnant and lactating mothers puts their unborn and breast-feeding children at risk of malnutrition and propagates malnutrition through entire life cycles in communities.
Malnourished mothers are also less able to withstand complications in pregnancy which will put them at greater risk of losing their child.
Eid al-Adha holds deep religious significance as it commemorates the Quranic account of Prophet Abraham’s unwavering willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael. However, at the last moment, God intervened and replaced the human sacrifice with a lamb, emphasizing that human life should never be taken in the name of God.
The day is traditionally observed by the ritualistic sacrifice of an animal, commonly a goat, sheep, or cow. The meat from the sacrifice is then distributed amongst neighbors, family members, and those less fortunate in the community.
Sheikh Hitimana Salim, the Mufti of Rwanda, expressed the immense importance of Eid al-Adha and encouraged Muslims to exemplify virtuous behavior. He emphasized that this occasion is a day of great joy and urged Muslims to uphold love, respect, and adhere to the teachings of Abraham, who demonstrated profound reverence for God.
Mufti Hitimana fervently urged all Muslims to distance themselves from any actions that tarnish the reputation of Islam, particularly acts of terrorism. He called upon the Muslim community to disassociate themselves from all forms of evil and negative influences.
Among others, Mufti Hitimana appealed to those with means to slaughter livestock, and share the joy of the feast with friends and the needy.
He highlighted the importance of learning from the story of Abraham, who, out of love for God, was prepared to sacrifice his own son. This account serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to emulate Abraham’s devotion and strengthen their connection with the divine.
During the visit, President Kagame along with First Lady Jeannette Kagame has been received by his counterpart Wavel Ramkalawan and his wife, Linda Ramkalawan.
President Kagame, as the Guest of Honor, will be gracing Seychelles’ National Day parade on June 29, as announced by Seychelles’ Office of the President.
He will also engage in bilateral discussions with President Wavel Ramkalawan at State House. This meeting is expected to yield several bilateral deals and agreements that will further strengthen the ties between the two nations.
Among others, Kagame will have the honor of addressing an Extraordinary Session of the National Assembly, further emphasizing the importance of this visit.
This visit marks President Kagame’s second time visiting Seychelles, highlighting the enduring friendship and collaboration between the two countries. Notably, both nations have cultivated cordial relations, particularly in the domains of tourism, education, and security, with a focus on the police sector.
In April 2021, during his presentation of credentials to President Ramkalawan, Rwanda’s high commissioner to Seychelles, Maj. Gen Charles Karamba, emphasized the significance of tourism and education as key areas for cooperation and development.
Both Rwanda and Seychelles are members of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) and Commonwealth, currently led by Rwandans.
President Kagame is the Chairperson of Commonwealth while Louise Mushikiwabo is at the helm of La Francophonie.
