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Impact of UK Rwanda Bill on DRC
On 22 April 2024 the Safety of Rwanda Bill (Asylum and Immigration) Act 2024 became law in the UK. This legislation confirms Rwanda as a safe third country for the removal of individuals who have entered the UK Illegally. Despite this legal designation, it’s interesting to note that the UK government’s travel advice for its residents wishing to visit Rwanda states that “Terrorist a attacks in Rwanda cannot be ruled out. Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreigners. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities”. The same guidance goes on to say that Same-sex sexual activity is not illegal in Rwanda but is frowned on by locals. LGBT+ travellers can experience discrimination and abuse, including from local authorities.
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/rwanda/safety-and- security Therefore, the UK government’s stance on Rwanda may not solely reflect its status as a safe third country for the purpose of immigration enforcement. The UK government has confirmed that the first flight with a cohort of asylum seekers will take off in 10 to 12 weeks. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics- 68916456. The situation has caused significant anxiety, not only for those who may potentially be relocated to Rwanda but also for us, the residents of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Recently the Rwandan government has faced accusations of being involveding deadly attacks in the Eastern DRC. https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20240504-us-blames-Rwanda-for-deadly-attack-on-Dr-Congo-refugee-camp The attacks have displaced a lot of Congolese from their homes, and unfortunately the Congo government has failed to provide assistance for the displaced residents. Despite the ongoing conflict between Rwanda and the DRC, there remains free movement between the two countries. While the United Kingdom upholds freedom of speech, Rwanda does not share the same level of openness. Our concern lies in the potential challenges faced by individuals who might be sent to Rwanda. In a country where government control is extensive, adapting to such restrictions could prove difficult for those relocated. Consequently, some may seek refuge in neighbouring countries, with the DRC being the closest accessible option due to its free movement policy. This influx of asylum
seekers could strain essential resources in the DRC, including food, accommodation, and medical care. Additionally, reports from asylum seekers already in the UK have expressed concerns about the threats of being relocated to Rwanda. Some have even stated their
intention to harm themselves upon arrival. https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/05/i-will-kill-myself-on-arrival-
Syrian-asylum-seeker-fears-Rwanda-will-not-be-safe These vulnerable individuals, having lost everything may react unpredictably once in Rwanda or if they cross over into the DRC. Furthermore, Rwanda’s population could increase significantly due to the arrival of
asylum seekers from the UK raising concerns of radicalisation occurring, potentially leading to involvement in conflicts within the Kivu province of the DRC.
Justice Congo Group Requesting for the Creation of Rwanda, M23, Alliance Fleuve Congo,
Twirwaneho... war crimes tribunal
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The latest massacre, crime against humanity to have occurred in DRC, North Kivu province by Rwanda army (RDF), M23, Alliance Fleuve Congo, Twirwaneho near Goma, the camps for displaced people in lac Vert and Mugunga where at least 12 people were killed and more other injured in a bomb blast on May 3, 2024. These activities fall under the criteria used for the definition of international crime. The United Nations Security Council
should established the International Criminal court to deal
with the ongoing act of genocide by Rwanda regime in DRC
So many years since, there remains little intervention by the Congolese army (FARDC), infiltrated as it is by Rwandan military personnel. This weakness in the Congolese army means no adequate action is taken to protect the suffering population of eastern DRC.
The east of the country is the victim of an unprecedented barbarity, the work of the regular army of Rwanda and Uganda. With the complicit and culpable silence of the Congolese government, powerless to protect the local populations against mas killings, rape with violence and mutilation of women and girls, many of whom are buried alive...
Hosting a Screening Film ; The Empire of Silence at University of Louvain - La neuve, Belgium.
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