Louise Mushikiwabo Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs
Rwanda has refuted widespread media claims that it has signed a deal with Israel regarding relocation of African migrants.
On Monday – January 22nd, several news outlets were awash with stories of alleged African migrants – mostly from Eritrea protesting at Rwanda Embassy in Israel against a decision by Israel government to send them to Rwanda and Uganda.
A statement signed by Government Spokesperson and Foreign Affairs Minister, Louise Mushikiwabo disowned the allegations.
“In reference to the rumors that have been recently spread in the media, the Government of Rwanda wishes to inform that it has never signed any secret deal with Israel regarding the relocation of African migrants.”
The statement adds: “In this regard, Rwanda’s policy vis-à-vis Africans in need of a home, temporary or permanent, within our country’s means, remains “open doors”.”
The statement further says that in these times of global migration crisis, Rwanda wishes to reiterate its firm determination to contribute, as much as possible, to the issue of men, women and children who find themselves on the treacherous road of exile.
“Rwanda’s position on migrants, wherever they may originate from, was informed and shaped by a sentiment of compassion towards African brothers and sisters who are today perishing in high seas, sold on the markets like cattle or expelled from the countries in which they sought shelter. Rwanda is ready to help in whatever limited way it could, by welcoming anyone arriving at its borders in need of a home, voluntarily and without any constraint.”
