No Rwandan should remain in refuge

Yesterday, Rwanda joined the rest of the world in celebrating World Refugee Day. The theme of this year’s Day was ‘One family torn apart by war is too many’. Rwandans have a particular interest in celebrating this day because of not only our past, but also because of our future. For many decades, Rwandans were counted among the more than 15 million people living in refugee camps around the world. In fact, the word ‘Rwandan’ was synonymous with statelessness in many parts of the world, especially in East Africa. Thankfully the Rwanda Patriotic Front remedied that situation in 1994 with the defeat of the genocidal government. Today, no Rwandan is banned from their country of birth. The threat of civil conflict, the discrimination and the threat of death or injury is no more. Rwanda is secure, free and moving in the right direction.The international community has recognised this progress. The Cessation Clause comes into effect on 30, June. From that date onwards, the word ‘Rwandan refugee’ will become a thing of the past. This year will be the last time we are active participants in World Refugee Day celebrations. This is a huge accomplishment. And no one did this for us. It was through our blood and tears. This justifies the call to all compatriots out there, to spare themselves the inconveniences that may come with the invocation of the Cessation Clause and either return home or move to process documents that will allow them to stay in their respective host countries as Rwandans.

Opinions

No Rwandan should remain in refuge