Migrant flight from UK to Rwanda: Kigali persists after cancellation

A general view of the exterior of Hope Hostel LTD which is preparing to welcome migrants from the United Kingdom, in Kigali, on May 19, 2022. AFP - SIMON WOHLFAHRT

Text by: RFI Follow

1 min

It is a failure for London and Kigali: the first plane which was to transport illegal migrants from the United Kingdom to Rwanda under a very controversial agreement signed last April remained grounded on June 14, 2022, lack of passengers.

This follows a last-minute decision by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

However, the Rwandan authorities are doing well, and claim not to be discouraged by this setback.

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With our correspondent in Kigali

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" 

 ", reacted Yolande Makolo, the government spokeswoman on Tuesday evening, to the announcement

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And this despite criticism from many NGOs, the United Nations, the Anglican Church and even Prince Charles, Kigali is staying the course and remains determined to implement its agreement with London.

During a press conference on Tuesday afternoon in the Rwandan capital, the government spokeswoman once again defended the project in front of the press.

" 

 ," she said, denouncing prejudices about her country and about Africa.

The government still presents the agreement as a solution to a failing asylum system, as a mechanism to suffocate smuggling networks and save lives.

Faced with concerns about the repression of freedom of expression and human rights violations in Rwanda, Yolande Makolo assured that the country would do everything to ensure that migrants are well received.

In any case, they will be able to study, work and benefit from social assistance.

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• Rwanda

• UK

• Immigration

• International Migrations