By John Ikani
Rwanda’s government has clarified President Paul Kagame’s recent statement on refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo, stating that the country will continue to offer refuge to individuals fleeing conflict.
President Kagame was recently quoted as stating that refugees crossing the border into Rwanda were “not Rwanda’s problem” and that he would “refuse that Rwanda should carry this burden.”
However, government spokesperson Yolande Makolo later issued a statement saying that Rwanda had no plans to expel or ban refugees.
She also accused media outlets of misinterpreting the president’s comments, and stated that what the President addressed was the blatant hypocrisy in criticising Rwanda which simultaneously gets the blame for state failure in the DRC [DR Congo], and is then expected to accommodate those who seek refuge from the consequences of that failure.”
Rwanda has no intention to expel or ban refugees. We always welcome people fleeing insecurity, persecution and violence. We are asking for the international community to take responsibility for finding a durable solution for this forgotten group of refugees from the DRC. 4/4
— Yolande Makolo 🇷🇼 (@YolandeMakolo) January 10, 2023
What you should know
Refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have been fleeing to neighbouring countries, including Rwanda, due to the ongoing conflict and violence in the DRC.
The DRC has been experiencing a humanitarian crisis for many years as a result of a civil war that began in the 1990s, with various armed groups vying for control of the country’s resources and power.
This has led to widespread human rights violations, forced displacement, and the deaths of many civilians. Additionally, there are also ethnic tensions and tensions related to land disputes and the competition for resources.
As a result, many people in the DRC have been forced to flee their homes in search of safety, many of them head towards Rwanda and other neighbouring countries for asylum.
