UK Home Secretary in Rwanda to strengthen migration deal

British Home Secretary Suella Braverman speaks during a press conference in the capital Kigali, Rwanda, Saturday, March 18, 2023. AP

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British Home Secretary Suella Braverman is on an official visit to Kigali this Saturday and Sunday, March 19. Almost a year after the signing of the nearly €160 million refugee agreement between Rwanda and the UK, the aim is to renew London's commitment to this partnership. It is intended to send to Rwanda a number of asylum seekers who have arrived illegally on British territory.

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With our correspondent in Kigali, Lucie Mouillaud

This is the first official visit to Kigali by a member of the British government since the election of conservative Rishi Sunak last October. The opportunity for Rwandan Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta to reiterate his commitment to the United Kingdom.

« We have just completed a meeting where we discussed our partnership on migration and economic development. This innovative partnership represents an important development in our efforts to address irregular migration. And we are happy to work closely with the UK on this. »

In Kigali, the British Home Secretary visited new residences designed to accommodate refugees sent to Rwanda by the United Kingdom. The agreement between the two countries, declared legal by the British High Court in December, is still being challenged in court by a group of asylum seekers. But according to Suella Braverman, the UK hopes to implement its partnership with Rwanda as soon as possible.

« Today, we signed an addendum to our agreement that expands support measures for people who will be relocated to Rwanda. There is a global migration crisis, and I sincerely believe that this leading partnership between two allies and two friends will lead the way. »

A hearing is scheduled for mid-April to study the proceedings launched in the Court of Appeal against this agreement, which has still been denounced by many human rights organizations.

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  • Rwanda
  • United Kingdom