Rwanda seeks extradition of genocide suspects from UK in migrant deal
2 Min Read
During 100 days of ethnic cleansing by Hutu militias in 1994, it is estimated that more than 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus perished.
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A view of Hope Hostel one of the locations where the asylum seekers from the U.K. are expected to arrive in the next 10-12 weeks in Kigali, Rwanda, Wednesday, April 24, 2024 (AP Photo/Atulinda Allan)
On Saturday, British news sources reported that Rwanda formally requested the UK to extradite five individuals suspected of involvement in the 1994 Tutsi genocide.
The extradition is viewed as part of a reciprocal arrangement, where the UK agrees to allow the first flights carrying illegal migrants to land in the central African country within three months, according to The Telegraph.
There are concerns among Rwandans on UK's decision to seek deportation of migrants from other countries to Rwanda, while simultaneously refusing to deport, try, or extradite five fugitives wanted for killing people in the 1994 Genocide Against Tutsi.#FactsOnRwanda #RwOT pic.twitter.com/mRNWsvHsd1
— Facts On Rwanda (@FactsOnRwanda) May 25, 2023
During 100 days of ethnic cleansing by Hutu militias in 1994, it is estimated that more than 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus perished.
Scotland Yard's war crimes unit initiated an investigation into the five suspects, who are currently residing in the UK. This action followed the High Court's decision to block Rwanda's extradition request due to concerns about the fairness of the trial process in Rwanda.
Rwanda's High Commissioner, Johnston Busingye, warned that the five individuals, all in their 60s, might evade facing justice if there were additional delays. He urged London to demonstrate the same level of commitment to their cases as it had shown to the migrant deportation scheme.
Read more: Rwanda commemorates 30 years since genocide
In 2022, Rwanda and the UK agreed on a migration deal allowing the deportation of undocumented migrants and asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing and resettlement. Criticized by human rights groups and politicians, the plan faced legal hurdles, with the European Court of Human Rights blocking the first deportation flight in June 2022.
Following a UK Supreme Court ruling citing safety concerns, a revised agreement was drafted. In January of this year, the House of Commons voted in favor of a bill to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, pending approval from the House of Lords.
Earlier this week, the British government's proposal to deport asylum-seekers to Rwanda was approved by Parliament on Tuesday, over two years after its initial introduction. The House of Lords finalized its endorsement of the bill, paving the way for it to become law.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized the policy's importance in deterring undocumented individuals from crossing the English Channel, reiterating his campaign promise to "stop the boats."
"No ifs, no buts. These flights are going to Rwanda," Sunak said.
