Since the U.S. announced a potential migrant partnership with Rwanda, the usual brigade of naysayers has been up in arms.
They’ve been recycling stale narratives such as: “Rwanda is too small,” “Rwanda is not safe,” “Rwanda is a dumping ground,” and other dismissive claims meant to belittle the country and its leadership. It’s just sour grapes.
While many are busy throwing mud at this prospective partnership, it’s worth remembering that before President Trump’s proposal, none of these anti-Rwanda reactionaries—nor their allies in Europe—ever stepped forward with real alternatives to the global immigration crisis.
The deal could see hundreds of asylum seekers processed from Rwanda. Successful applicants would remain in Rwanda, while those who are unsuccessful would either be allowed to stay or leave voluntarily.
Let there be no confusion: the signed agreement between Rwanda and the DRC to support peace in Eastern Congo is a separate issue. President Trump is not sending migrants to Rwanda to compromise anything, except solving a real world problem,
It is baffling to hear anti-Rwanda haters with sick narratives about Rwanda being “densely populated,” “economically poor,” or somehow incapable of hosting migrants for resettlement. Rwanda’s President has openly challenged this crooked thinking: that one must be wealthy to help those in need. As the saying goes, no country is too small to offer support to people in crisis.
Even more, Rwanda has a strong track record of managing refugee and asylum cases—from Libya, Sudan, Afghanistan, Eritrea, and others—without asking for anything in return. Many of those resettled have since become productive members of society, even building successful business communities.
And on the matter of safety, there should be no debate. Rwanda is consistently ranked among the safest countries in the world, with a rapidly growing economy and a strong record of upholding the rights of asylum seekers.
It’s disappointing when social media shills argue that Rwanda is becoming a “dumping ground.” Who doesn’t know that illegal immigration today fuels organized crime and human trafficking? If President Trump wants to invest in stopping such deadly rackets, why wouldn’t any responsible nation join him?
To the anti-Rwanda brigade—we see you. But unless you’re willing to offer real solutions to today’s global challenges, maybe it’s time to step aside and let Rwanda do what needs to be done.
ellenkampire