Rwanda is poised to capitalize on the migrant crisis in the West, leveraging diplomatic engagement with the US to establish itself as a useful option for countries’ anti-migration policies.
The African country is looking to position itself as a useful option for countries’ anti-migration policies. The latest move by Rwanda involves talks with the US over hosting deported migrants.
Rwanda‘s Previous Experience with Migration Plans
Rwanda has explored similar migration plans in the past, including an agreement with the previous UK government in 2022. Under this deal, asylum claims would be processed in Rwanda, and successful applicants would remain there while unsuccessful ones would be given the option to leave or receive residency.
However, the deal faced criticism from opposition politicians and human rights activists, who argued that it was unlawful and posed risks for the safety of refugees. The agreement ultimately fell through when ‘Keir Starmer cancelled it after the Labour party came into power last year.’
Rwanda was also previously involved in a programme between 2014 and 2017 to take African asylum seekers from Israel. Although details were shrouded in secrecy, the program eventually collapsed when Israel‘s supreme court suspended deportations in 2018.
Rwanda Seeks to Leverage Migrant Crisis
The latest talks with the US present an opportunity for Rwanda to financially leverage the migrant crisis in the west and expand its geopolitical influence. The discussions are happening at a time when the US is pushing Rwanda and the ‘Democratic Republic of the Congo to enter bilateral economic agreements that would bring western investment to support mining in the countries.’
Located in East Africa, Rwanda is a small landlocked country with a population of approximately 12 million people.
The country has a diverse geography, featuring volcanic mountains, savannas, and lakes.
Historically, Rwanda was a German colony before being mandated to Belgium after World War I.
In the 1990s, the country experienced a devastating genocide that resulted in over 800,000 deaths.
Today, Rwanda is known for its rapid economic growth, stable government, and efforts to preserve its natural environment.
Rwanda‘s president, Paul Kagame, has previously defended migration plans to send people to Rwanda, stating that it’s not about buying and selling people but rather solving a problem. However, critics argue that such plans pose risks for the safety of refugees and are not an effective solution to the migrant crisis.
Rwanda‘s Strategic Position
The African country is seeking to capitalize on its strategic position in the region by hosting deportees from other countries. By doing so, Rwanda aims to establish itself as a useful option for countries’ anti-migration policies. The talks with the US are part of a broader effort by Rwanda to expand its influence and secure financial support for its development.
The proposed deals also highlight Rwanda‘s involvement in regional conflicts, particularly in the ‘Democratic Republic of the Congo, where it has been accused of fuelling the conflict by backing rebels.’ The US-led process aims to end fighting in the mineral-rich eastern DRC, and Rwanda‘s participation could potentially bring western investment to support mining in the country.
In summary, Rwanda‘s talks with the US over deported migrants represent an opportunity for the African country to expand its influence and financially leverage the migrant crisis in the west. However, critics remain concerned about the potential risks and consequences of such plans for refugees and regional stability.
