Video Emerges of Rwanda’s High Commissioner Criticizing UK Migration Policy
A video has surfaced in which Johnston Busingye, Rwanda’s high commissioner to the United Kingdom, voices criticism of the British government’s migration policy. The footage, captured during an undercover investigation conducted by the campaign group ‘Led By Donkeys,’ was unveiled on Saturday, September 30th.
In the video, Busingye, a former Justice minister who now holds an ambassadorial-level role, emphasizes the need for British leaders to establish a long-term migration policy. When asked what message he would convey to the UK Home Secretary or Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Busingye stated, “They should have a long-term idea. They should have a long-term policy of making it a choice for people not to risk their lives coming to the UK. Because right now, many people are not coming here because of war in their country. No, they’re coming here because they are hopeless. They’re coming here because they have no future.”
In another part of the Led By Donkeys’ investigation, conducted by journalist Antony Barnett, Busingye criticized Britain’s self-image as a compassionate country, citing its historical actions in places such as Africa, India, and China. He asserted, “[It] is immoral for this country to still see themselves as the refugee country, the solace country, the protection country, the compassion country. They enslaved millions of people for 400 years.”
The Rwandan government criticized the LedByDonkeys investigation, highlighting its commitment to maintaining mutual respect and open dialogue with the UK regarding the Migration and Economic Development Partnership deal both countries signed. The statement emphasized the vital role played by Rwanda’s High Commissioner to the UK in nurturing bilateral relations.
The UK-Rwanda deal to transfer migrants and asylum seekers to Rwanda has faced significant criticism, particularly from the opposition and the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), which has called for its cancellation. In June, the British Court of Appeal ruled the deportation of migrants to Rwanda as “illegal.” Despite protests and opposition, the UK government has indicated its intention to bring the case before the Supreme Court.
