Musings From Abroad

UK’s plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda might be dropped amidst legal challenges

Published

1 year ago

May 3, 2022

It appears things would no longer be as planned after much ado about the proposed arrangement between Rwanda and the United Kingdom to send asylum seekers and illegal immigrants to Rwanda.

British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson’s spokesman made the disclosure on Tuesday that the move is currently facing legal challenges to the policy which is aimed at dealing with migrants crossing the Channel.

The United Kingdom parliament last month announced that it has reached an agreement to sign a deal that would send asylum seekers who cross the English Channel in small boats, to Rwanda while their claims are processed in the UK.

“We have received pre-action correspondence,” the spokesman told reporters. “Those legal challenges obviously may be a factor that can mean it takes longer to implement the policy.”

The said agreement had been condemned by opposition parties in the East African country. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), said it was “firmly opposed” to the plans unveiled by the UK and Rwandan governments.

The move has been condemned by the United Nations (UN), the Church of England has condemned the United Kingdom parliament’s agreement to would send asylum seekers and illegal immigrants to Rwanda.

Related Topics:Featured Immigration Laws Rwanda United Kingdom

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Musings From Abroad

China supports South Africa on BRICS summit— Report

Published

16 hours ago

June 9, 2023

Ifeoluwa Dada

Local media in China are reporting that the Asian giant will support South Africa to host the BRICS summit later this year.

South Africa has come under diplomatic pleasure following its continued relations with Russia, with the United States alleging recently that it aided Russia with ammunition in the ongoing Ukraine war.

South Africa is under the spotlight as it decides if it would arrest Russian President, Vladimir Putin during his expected visit for the BRICS Summit in August after the International Criminal Court placed a warrant on the European leader.

But with China now backing South Africa’s stance in the international space, particularly in hosting the BRICS summit and in relations with Putin’s expected visit, it may find some courage to rebuff the West.

Chinese President, Xi Jinping is reported to have had a phone conversation with South Africa’s Ramaphosa with assurances communicated.

Musings From Abroad

Italy, Netherlands, EU set to announce aid package for Tunisia

Published

16 hours ago

June 9, 2023

Ifeoluwa Dada

Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni has said that a fresh aid package to Tunisia would be announced by the European Union alongside her country and the Netherlands on Sunday.

Meloni, who recently ended a visit to Tunisia, will visit again on Sunday with her Dutch counterpart, Mark Rutte and the EU Commission’s Ursula von der Leyen with high hopes.

“It seems to me that important steps forward are being taken,” Meloni said.

There are concerns that the delay with the loan could deepen Tunisia’s financial crisis and escalate migrants’ crisis across the Mediterranean Sea in search of a better life in Europe.

Creditors, which are largely European, want President Kais Saied to accept the terms of financial reforms by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for its loan which will unlock extra funds in bilateral aid for the country.

Creditors are also refusing to provide Tunisia with long-term budget support unless the IMF agrees to a deal that assures them of repayment of its debts. They have, however, given Tunisia smaller sums to help it purchase food and fuel.

President Saied announced last week that additional taxes would be implemented as a stopgap measure before an expected IMF loan.

Tunisia is in debt to the tune of roughly 80% of its GDP, and the IMF agreed in principle last year to a new loan of nearly $2 billion to help it overcome its severe financial crisis.