British Home Secretary James Cleverly has arrived in Rwanda today December 5, 2023, to sign a new treaty to send asylum seekers to the East African nation and discuss key next steps on what has been called the migration and economic development partnership.
Cleverly arrived for a brief trip to tighten the plan to lawfully send migrants to Rwanda following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the policy.
The United Kingdom’s Supreme Court last month ruled that such a move would violate international human rights laws enshrined in domestic legislation.
According to the home office, Cleverly will sign the treaty and talk about the next steps for the partnership on migration and economic development with his counterpart, Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs Vincent Biruta.
On his first overseas trip as home secretary, he will also meet with personnel at the British High Commission and the genocide memorial in Kigali.
Before he arrives in Kigali, Cleverly stated: “We are working quickly to advance this partnership in order to stop the boats and save lives. We are certain that Rwanda is a safe country.”
“Rwanda cares deeply about the rights of refugees, and I look forward to meeting with counterparts to sign this agreement and further discuss how we work together to tackle the global challenge of illegal migration.” Cleverly added.
There has been speculation that Rwanda is demanding additional funding for the project on top of the £140 million that has already been allocated.
According to the Sunday Times, Kigali’s capital will receive a £15 million top-up payment to negotiate new conditions on the agreement to accept migrants who arrive in the UK in small boats.
The official spokesman for the prime minister, however, stated: “Certainly I don’t recognize that figure of £15 million, there’s been no request for additional funding for the treaty made by Rwanda, or not offered by the UK government.”
Following Priti Patel’s initial agreement signing in April of last year, Mr. Cleverly is the third home secretary to visit Rwanda.
