Rwandan opposition politician Victoire Ingabire has voiced strong criticism of the revised asylum deal between Rwanda and the UK, expressing concerns about its potential impact on human rights. In an interview with the BBC, she asserted that the agreement would likely face legal challenges in British courts unless it addressed ongoing human rights abuses in Rwanda.

Ingabire, a prominent critic of Rwandan President Paul Kagame, believes that the UK, given its position as a key development partner for Rwanda, has the responsibility to push for improvements in the country’s human rights record. She specifically calls for the release of imprisoned opposition politicians, journalists, and social media commentators critical of the government.

Furthermore, Ingabire questions Rwanda’s capacity to provide a durable solution for asylum seekers sent by the UK. She believes that the limited resources available in Rwanda will not provide the desired outcome and doubts that the agreement will deter migrants from crossing the Channel, as they are unlikely to find the freedom they seek in Rwanda.

In contrast, the Rwandan government emphasizes its history of welcoming refugees and claims to have successfully integrated many into Rwandan society.

Ingabire’s critical perspective highlights the complex and contested nature of the UK-Rwanda asylum deal. While the agreement aims to address the issue of illegal migration, it raises concerns about potential human rights violations and the effectiveness of the proposed solution.