Rwanda receives over 100 asylum seekers from Libya (Video) #rwanda #RwOT

This is the 19th group of evacuees from Libya and the first group since the agreement, signed in 2019, was extended last month.

The individuals originate from five countries and include 41 Sudanese, 36 Eritreans, 12 Somalis, 17 Ethiopians, and 13 South Sudanese.

They were received at Kigali International Airport by Philippe Habinshuti, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA); Belen Calvo Uyarra, Ambassador of the European Union to Rwanda; and Aissatou Dieng-Ndiaye, UNHCR Representative in Rwanda.

The UNHCR Rwanda representative, while lauding Rwanda as a safe haven, said the refugees and asylum seekers will be hosted at the Emergency Transit Mechanism Centre in Gashora, where they will await a durable solution, such as resettlement.

"Rwanda constitutes a safe place for them because they are coming from Libya, where they don't receive any assistance and are insecure, also coming from detention centers, living through trauma and very difficult conditions," she stated.

Last month, the Rwandan government, UNHCR, and the African Union Commission (AUC) reached an agreement to extend the refugee evacuation programme until December 31, 2025.

In a joint statement on August 22, 2024, Rwanda, the AU, and the UN refugee agency emphasized that the extension reaffirms their commitment to providing protection and seeking durable solutions for those evacuated, offering them a safe haven in Rwanda.

"The Government of Rwanda reaffirms its unwavering commitment to receive and protect these individuals, as well as others identified as particularly vulnerable and at risk," the statement read in part.

The parties disclosed that the second addendum to the original Memorandum of Understanding, dated September 10, 2019, emphasizes a more transparent selection process for evacuees, ensuring equal opportunities for all potential candidates, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, race, gender, age, or any other criteria beyond their vulnerability.

The first group of 66 evacuees arrived in Rwanda on September 26, 2019. Since then, over 2,400 have been received, with 1,835 resettled to third countries.