What Rwandans say about UK asylum deal

Last week, Rwanda and the United Kingdom (UK) inked a Migration and Economic Development Partnership, which will see migrants and asylum seekers who are illegally in the UK transferred to Rwanda. The unprecedented development was greeted with various reactions across the globe. The New Times spoke to a number of Rwandans who shared their thoughts about receiving asylum seekers from the UK. Here are their opinions: Emmy Ishimwe, NGO employee residing in Gisozi First, if asylum seekers willingly consent to come to Rwanda after being informed in detail about what opportunities and quality of life they will have here, in comparison to what they had in their countries, then I support the deal. If they come here willingly, that is great. Rwandans will welcome them, because we are good people that abide by the law and what the government says. I know there will be things like cultural differences between Rwandans and the asylum seekers, because we are from different backgrounds, but I think that is just a small issue. I know they will really be surprised about how safe Rwanda is. I don’t know if there is any country in Africa that is safer than Rwanda. Personally, I welcome them because every human deserves a good life, and I wish them to feel at home. Mariane Nyiranzitabakuze, Accountant based in Kabeza I think it is good because they can be integrated into the Rwandan community, or be allowed to go back to their countries if the situation there gets better. Fred Mfuranzima, Author and peace activist based in Kigali According to me, people fleeing war, conflict and persecution deserve compassion and empathy. I would love to live, work and learn with them and hope theyll enjoy opportunities we have here. Most Rwandans were refugees in different countries in the World, we know what being a refugee means, treating them like brothers and sisters will be a good example of how humans must treat each regardless of everything, that to be called a refugee is the opposite of an insult; it is a badge of strength, courage, and victory, so that we can create a future together. Peter Nkurunziza, Public Relations Officer, based in Remera I feel its an exemplary gesture from the country, since a lot of Rwandans over the years lived as refugees in different countries. And the fact that theyll be supported to live dignified lives, I am delighted that my country is doing such commendable acts. I welcome them and Im sure Rwandans will be glad to have them here, same way we welcomed Libyans and Afghanis. I feel its a good move since for years now, many people have known Rwanda for its sad history but I feel this will help change the narrative. Itll also help improve the countrys foreign policy and relations with other countries. Pascal Ntaganda, Salesperson based in Nyabisindu My perspective is based on two things: one, I am a Rwandan citizen and secondly, I am a Christian. First of all, as a Rwandan citizen, receiving asylum seekers here is pride for me. Rwandans were once refugees - not immigrants, but refugees who did not have a place to call home. Now the ones who were refugees are now receiving people in their country, so it is pride and honour for the nation. When the asylum seekers from the UK come here, and I happen to meet them, it is my responsibility to make sure that I treat them in the right way and make their environment as hospitable as possible. If I’m required to give them directions to certain places where they want to go, I will do it, if they need to learn something to adapt to Rwanda, I will be there to assist them. As a Christian, faith comes in as well. For those people who prayed for Rwanda to become a home of peace and stability and love, I think they are seeing it happen. We should receive people. In Genesis 18, we read about Abraham and Sarah welcoming strangers to their home. I think from a believer’s point of view; it is a blessing to receive someone. Innocent Muramira, Lawyer living in Kanombe I really think this is a good deal for both countries, but at the end of the day Rwanda will benefit from these skilled refugees, most of them are professionals. It will not affect any Rwandan in any way because they have to respect and comply with the domestic laws. They will have a good life in Rwanda because Rwanda is one of the safest countries in the world.

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What Rwandans say about UK asylum deal