NIAS Africa Weekly

NIAS Africa Weekly
IN FOCUS | UK-Rwanda asylum deal

NIAS Africa Team
26 April 2022
Photo Source: Muhizi Olivier/AP/CNN

Africa Weekly #09, Vol. 1, No. 9
26 April 2022

UK-Rwanda asylum deal: Three issues
The UK is not the first country proposing to relocate asylum seekers. However, by relocating asylum seekers to smaller countries, rich countries seem to be shifting the responsibility for processing asylum.
Apoorva Sudhakar

On 14 April, the UK announced it would relocate asylum seekers to Rwanda, citing that the UK’s asylum system had been subjected to humanitarian crises and people smugglers for long. The UK Home Secretary Priti Patel said the UK will provide assistance to Rwanda to ensure that relocated asylum seekers would receive “five years of training, integration, accommodation, health care.” With these facilities, the asylum seekers can later choose to settle and continue living in Rwanda. The UK’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Our compassion may be infinite but our capacity to help people is not,” and added, “We can't ask the British taxpayer to write a blank cheque to cover the costs of anyone who might want to come and live here.” Johnson maintained that Rwanda is one of the safest countries with a welcoming approach to migrants. 

What is the UK-Rwanda deal for asylum seekers?
Patel termed the plan a “joint new migration and economic development partnership.” The UK has already paid 120 million pounds to Rwanda to kickstart a five-year pilot project. The pilot project would relocate single men who have arrived since 1 January 2022 or will arrive, in the UK from France by boats through the English Channel, and trucks. Following this, the UK will pay more money to process more asylum requests. 

Rwanda cited that it had previously hosted refugees from Libya and Afghanistan. Therefore, Rwanda has maintained that it has the capacity to accept the asylum seekers that the UK proposes to relocate. However, Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta maintained that Rwanda would “prefer not to receive people from immediate neighbours like the DRC, Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania” and those with criminal records.

Three issues in the UK-Rwanda asylum deal
Despite Patel’s claims that Rwanda is an ideal country for relocation, there have been criticisms to the plan. 

First, the intentional opposition to the plan. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said the deal was a violation of international law and contradicts the “States’ responsibility to take care of those in need of protection.” Contrary to the UK government’s reasoning that the plan would deter asylum seekers, the UN said the deal would increase risks as refugees would opt for other routes. In Rwanda, the opposition has raised several concerns including asking the government to address issues which force Rwandans to flee before accepting refugees. The Green Democratic Party of Rwanda’s president said accepting asylum seekers would increase the competition for land and resources. As of 2015, Rwanda had the second-highest population density in Africa and on 20 April, The Washington Post reported that with twice the population density of the UK, Rwanda hosts at least five times more refugees than the UK.

Second, the state of human rights in Rwanda. Despite the UK’s current claims that Rwanda is a safe third country for asylum seekers, many have questioned the state of human rights in Rwanda previously. Rwanda ranking 160th out of 189 in the 2020 Human Development Index and 156th out of 180 in the World Press Freedom Index are indicators of the poor state of human rights. In 2021, the Director-General for Europe at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office called on the UN to investigate reports of restrictions on civil and media freedom, alleged extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and so on. At the time, the UK had supported the above claims and expressed disappointment over Rwanda’s alleged inaction. Therefore, it is unclear why the UK has changed its perception and opted for Rwanda as a safe third country.

Third, UK’s larger anti-immigration scheme. The latest plan comes amid the current government’s position on the subject. For example, on 25 April, The Guardian reported that Patel had previously introduced a “refugee pushback” policy wherein the refugees arriving on dinghies from France through the Channel would be pushed back. The pushback policy was, however, withdrawn, days before a judicial review. Similarly, another bill, the nationality and borders bill, has come under scrutiny; Patel claimed the bill would ensure a safe and legal route for asylum seekers arriving in the UK; later, the Home Office reportedly admitted that the bill does not provide for any government-backed route.

UK not the first country to consider relocation 
The UK is not the first country to propose policies aimed to deter irregular asylum seekers. Australia, Denmark and Israel have also introduced similar plans in the past. 

Australia began relocating asylum seekers to Nauru and Papua New Guinea in 2001. According to Australia’s Border Force, 4000 people have been relocated between 2012 and 2019 alone. Australia maintains that this plan has prevented deaths at the sea. 

In 2015, the EU signed a deal with Turkey wherein the latter agreed to receive asylum seekers who had arrived in EU countries. In return, the EU had promised to provide aid, ease visa rules for Turks and progress on Turkey’s request to join the EU. 

In the same year, Israel introduced a similar plan wherein asylum seekers, mostly from Sudan and Eritrea, were given two choices: to return to the country of origin or receive USD 3500 to avail of a one-way ticket to a third country, which included Uganda and Rwanda. If found remaining in Israel, they would be jailed. 

In 2021, Denmark passed legislation providing for the relocation of asylum seekers outside the EU while their asylum request was under process. The European Commission criticised and the African Union condemned the plan at the time. The AU maintained that Denmark’s move was xenophobic. However, the UK’s latest announcement has revived Denmark’s efforts to find a third country that would accept asylum seekers. 

Passing the buck to smaller countries
As the UK’s plan continues to be debated and has brought the spotlight back to other countries with similar plans, several questions have been raised. However, as seen in the case of Israel and Australia, the policies are not foolproof. Further, what would happen to asylum requests rejected by Rwanda? What prompted Rwanda to accept the deal? The UK’s plan and Denmark’s revived efforts come at a time when European countries are relaxing their rules to accept Ukrainian refugees. Therefore, are these plans indeed decided by the race? The questions may remain unanswered, but rich countries are shifting responsibility to smaller countries and externalising the responsibility to accommodate refugees is an emerging trend.


AFRICA IN BRIEF
20 April-26 April
By Mohamad Aseel Ummer and Apoorva Sudhakar

TUNISIA
Migrant boat sinks off the coast off Tunisia killing nearly 17 
On 23 April, four boats carrying migrants from Tunisia to Italy sank off the coast of Sfax city. According to local reports, the death toll rose to 17 on the second day of the incident. Sfax has emerged to become a major transit point for illegal migrants to Europe who attempt to cross the Mediterranean in makeshift boats. Various other ports and coastlines in the North African region such as Ceuta and Melilla have also seen a considerable number of similar incidents in recent years. The increased number of illegal migrants making such precarious voyages indicates worsening living conditions in the continent and a red flag for European emigration. (“Death toll from migrant shipwrecks off Tunisia rises to 17,Reuters, 24 April 2022)

President extends his powers by seizing the election commission
On 22 April, Kais Saeed issued a decree stating that he is seizing control of the election commission, and would replace its members. The opposition condemned the decision as an attempt to sabotage the integrity of elections in the country. He has also informed that out of the nine members commission, he would retain three officials and will place himself as the head of the commission. The opposition opined this was another attempt by Saeed to consolidate his position and embolden his sphere of influence. Amidst a dismissed parliament and judicial council, Saeed is planning to restructure the constitution. Tunisia has been under severe financial stress since the pandemic, and with the recent political upheavals the country is facing unrest and insecurity. (“Tunisian President seizes control of electoral commission,” Reuters, 22 April 2022)

KENYA
Former President Kibaki dies at 90
On 22 April, the third president of Kenya, who had remained in office from 2003 to 2013 Mwai Kibaki passed away. The death was announced by current president Uhuru Kenyatta; it was widely held that Kibaki was ailing and suffering severe health conditions. Kibaki was an expert economist educated in Britain. He had attempted to lift the Kenyan economy from plummeted levels, but his attempts were widely hindered by systematic corruption and economic graft. His presidency was also marred by the nationwide riots and violence after his controversial re-elections in 2007. Moses Wetangula, a former cabinet member recalled: "As his foreign minister, I ran many missions to stabilize Somalia and other pockets of instability including Congo." (“Kenya’s Former President Kibaki dies at 90,” Reuters, 22 April 2022)

SOUTH SUDAN
UN condemns increase in violence in Leer county
On 25 April, the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) condemned the surge of violence in Leer country. The UN has highlighted the role of armed youth from Koch and Mayendit counties for the rising violence in the Leer county. The UN’s condemnation comes after 72 people were reportedly killed, 11 injured and 64 cases of sexual violence reported between 17 February and 7 April in the area; 40,000 people have fled the violence. Meanwhile, the UN has deployed additional peacekeepers to address the situation. (“UN condemns ‘horrific’ surge of violence in South Sudan,” UN News, 25 April 2022)

NIGERIA
IS claims responsibility for Taraba bombing
On 21 April, the Islamic State claimed responsibility for the explosion on 20 April killing nearly 30. The explosion occurred in a market in the Taraba state, where alcohol was sold. The outfit released its statement on a Telegram channel and claims to have targeted “a gathering of infidel Christians.” The IS openly expressed satisfaction and for destroying the liquor store. Armed robberies, and abduction have become increasingly rife in the country since the beginning of the pandemic. North-eastern Nigeria is the worst affected region with frequent occurrences of violence and militancy. The recent attack marks an expansion of the Islamic State’s territory into the middle-belt region of the country. The country is caught in a violent power struggle between rivalling militant outfits like Boko-Haram and ISWAP causing escalated insecurities (“Islamic State claims Nigeria bombing, says about 30 killed or hurt,” Reuters, 21 April 2022)

MALI
UN criticises Mali for preventing investigation into Moura massacre
On 20 April, the UN condemned the Malian authorities for preventing UN investigation into the Moura massacre during a raid between 27 March and 31 March. The UN said it is “extremely concerned” by Mali’s reaction as the allegation has attracted international attention due to the alleged involvement of Russia’s Wagner Group.  According to a Human Rights Watch report, at least 300 people were executed during the raid in Moura. The survivors claimed that white mercenaries suspected to be Russians had taken active participation during the massacre; Mali dismissed these claims. A UN spokesperson estimated that the death toll could go as high as 500, and added that “time is of the essence to ensure accountability, prompt and effective justice for the victims.” The soldiers during the raid purportedly have raped and looted. Mali has been home to major Islamist militancy and faces major threats from outfits like Al Qaeda and Islamic State. The 2020 military coup has created instability and the straining of Mali-French relations has further exacerbated the situation. (“UN says investigators prevented access to site of Mali killings,” Reuters, 20 April 2022)

NIGER
Niger approves redeployment of French troops from Mali
On 23 April, Niger’s legislative body approved the deployment of French troops into the region to fight Islamist insurgency. In February, President Mohammad Bazoum had agreed to welcome the deployment of the French troops from Mali. The bill to deploy French troops received approval of an overwhelming majority in the Parliament. Nearly 3000 French troops are currently stationed in the region as part of the Takuba task force to fight militancy in the region. The number of troops was halved by the French in early 2022. The French decision came amid strained relations between Mali’s military government and the allegations of a deal between the military government and the Wagner group was a major blow to the Macron administration. The new bill would give further opportunity for the French to embolden their presence and influence in the region. (“Niger approves re-deployment of more European special forces from Mali,” Reuters, 23 April 2022)

REGIONAL
East African Community agrees to joint military action in DRC
On 22 April, seven countries of the East African Community (EAC) agreed to the deployment of a joint regional military force in the Democratic Republic of Congo to fight the increasing and decades-old threat of Islamist insurgency in the country. DRC became a member of the EAC in March, and a meeting was held on 21 March. The meeting called on armed groups to engage in political dialogue for resolutions or to be prepared to be dealt with militarily. The UN runs one of the largest peacekeeping operations in the country, and despite of years of efforts with several setbacks and security failures, the troops have failed to establish peace. It is estimated that nearly 120 militia groups, some with ties to Islamic State and other outfits from neighbouring Rwanda and Uganda operate in the country. Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) is the most notorious among the insurgents, wreaking havoc and violence in the country. Military operations are often retaliated by killing civilians, it is estimated that in 2021 alone the group has killed nearly 1200 people. (“East African Community agrees on regional forces to try to end Congo unrest,” Reuters, 22 April 2022)

UNICEF warns of an avalanche of child deaths
On 22 April, a press release from the UNICEF said the number of children in the Horn of Africa, at the risk of severe drought conditions, has risen by 40 per cent between February and April, from 7.25 million children to 10 million. The risks include acute hunger, malnutrition and thirst. The UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa said: “If we don’t act now, we will see an avalanche of child deaths in a matter of weeks,” and added, “Famine is just around the corner.” Between February and April, the total number of people classified as food insecure increased from nine million to 16 million. (“At least 10 million children face severe drought in the Horn of Africa – UNICEF,” UNICEF, 22 April 2022)


About the authors

Apoorva Sudhakar is a Project Associate at the School of Conflict and Security Studies at the National Institute of Advanced Studies. Mohamad Aseel Ummer is a postgraduate scholar in International Relations and Political Science at the Central University of Kerala.


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R Preetha

Risks, Reforms and Trajectories
November 2025 | CWA # 1966

Lekshmi MK

Five Questions on Challenges, Capacity and Policies
February 2026 | CWA # 1962

Global Politics Team

Regional Roundups: From East Asia to the Americas
February 2026 | CWA # 1961

Lekshmi MK

What does it mean for domestic politics and regional stability?
February 2026 | CWA # 1955

Global Politics Team

Regional Roundups: From East Asia to the Americas
January 2026 | CWA # 1947

Brighty Ann Sarah

January 2026 | CWA # 1946

Preetha Renganarayanan

The Davos Summit 2026
Five Major Takeaways from The World Economic Forum
January 2026 | CWA # 1945

Global Politics Team

January 2026 | CWA # 1943

Anu Maria Joseph

January 2026 | CWA # 1942

Lekshmi MK

January 2026 | CWA # 1941

Brighty Ann Sarah

January 2026 | CWA # 1940

IPRI Team

January 2026 | CWA # 1939

Lekshmi MK

January 2026 | CWA # 1937

Anu Maria Joseph

December 2025 | CWA # 1931

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1930

Aparna A Nair

December 2025 | CWA # 1924

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1914

Preetha Renganarayanan

December 2025 | CWA # 1913

Rohini Reenum

December 2025 | CWA # 1912

Lekshmi MK

December 2025 | CWA # 1911

Swati Sood

December 2025 | CWA # 1905

Femy Francis

December 2025 | CWA # 1902

Brighty Ann Sarah

December 2025 | CWA # 1893

Lekshmi MK

December 2025 | CWA # 1889

Femy Francis

December 2025 | CWA # 1881

Sunidhi Sampige

December 2025 | CWA # 1864

Femy Francis

Ten Takeaways of a SCMP Interview with a former PLA Colonel
December 2025 | CWA # 1861

Femy Francis

China Reader
November 2025 | CWA # 1859

Brighty Ann Sarah

November 2025 | CWA # 1858

Padmashree Anandhan

August 2025 | CWA # 1801

R Preetha

28 August 1963
Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech and the Civil Rights Movement in the US
August 2025 | CWA # 1790

GP Team

The World This Week#323-324
The Trump-Putin meeting & the US-China tariff extension
August 2025 | CWA # 1780

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

Trump tariffs:
Weaponization of access to the US economy
August 2025 | CWA # 1779

GP Team

The World This Week#322
US tariffs on India, Brazil and Canada & the EU-US trade deal
August 2025 | CWA # 1778

Lekshmi MK

28 July 1914
Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia, starting the First World War
July 2025 | CWA # 1770

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

Pakistan-Afghanistan relations:
Why the focus on terrorism, refugees, and Uzbekistan as the third partner?
July 2025 | CWA # 1769

GP Team

The World This Week#321
Indian PM Modi's visit to the Maldives I Elections to the Upper House in Japan
July 2025 | CWA # 1762

Lekshmi MK

Ocean Darkening: 
What is the phenomenon? What are its effects? And who are more vulnerable?
July 2025 | CWA # 1749

R Preetha

Africa as the Hunger Epicenter
Of the 13 Global Hunger Hotspots, 8 are in Africa: Five reasons why
July 2025 | CWA # 1748

GP Team

The World This Week #318
PM Modi’s Visit to Trinidad and Tobago & Ghana, One big beautiful bill, and Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting
July 2025 | CWA # 1744

Chittrothu Vaihali

EU-Canada Summit 2025
What is security and defence partnership all about?
July 2025 | CWA # 1742

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly # 287-88
The 12 Day War and the Congo-Rwanda Peace Deal
July 2025 | CWA # 1738

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

Thailand and Cambodia
What was the phone call between PM Shinawatra and President of Senate Hun Sen? What is the border dispute between the two? Why has this become an issue?
June 2025 | CWA # 1735

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025:
Trump making Europe great again
June 2025 | CWA # 1734

GP Team

The World This Week #317
NATO Summit 2025 and Russia-Mali bilateral agreements
June 2025 | CWA # 1733

Ananya Dinesh

China and the Pacific Islands 
What was the recent China-PIC joint statement about? What it says, and what it means?
June 2025 | CWA # 1728

M Kejia

G7 Summit 2025:
The Focus on the Middle East and Trade negotiations
June 2025 | CWA # 1726

GP Team

The World This Week #316
China-Central Asia Summit in Kazakhstan, and the G7 Summit in Canada
June 2025 | CWA # 1725

Brighty Ann Sarah, R Preetha, Santhiya M, Aparna A Nair & M Kejia

Operation Midnight Hammer: US bombs three nuclear sites in Iran
What were the three Iranian nuclear sites that were targeted? What are the B2 Bombers and Bunker Buster Bombs? What do these attacks mean? What Next?
June 2025 | CWA # 1724

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly #286
The Spiralling Israel-Iran Crisis, and the Dangerous Hunger Hotspots
June 2025 | CWA # 1721

Rizwana Banu S and Santhiya M

Who are the Afrikaners?
Why is Trump interested in the Afrikaner question in South Africa?
June 2025 | CWA # 1720

Lekshmi MK

New WMO Report on Arctic Warming
What are the social, economic and environmental implications of Arctic warming
June 2025 | CWA # 1719

J Yamini  

China’s EV Surge
What contributes to the rise of BYD
June 2025 | CWA # 1717

J Yamini

Gender Violence in Pakistan:
What are the larger issues in the Noor Mukadam case?
June 2025 | CWA # 1715

Femy Francis

The US-China:
On Tariffs, Rare Earths and Visas
June 2025 | CWA # 1713

GP Team

The World This Week #315
The UN Ocean Conference in France and the US-China Meeting in London
June 2025 | CWA # 1712

R Preetha

June 2025 | CWA # 1705

GP Team

The World This Week #314
Elections in South Korea and Poland I China and the Pacific Island Countries I Bangladesh Election Announcement 2026
June 2025 | CWA # 1703

M Kejia 

Sagarmatha Sambaad in Nepal
Kathmandu’s Global Agenda for the Himalayas
June 2025 | CWA # 1700

R Preetha

Ethiopia bans the TPLF
What does the TPLF ban mean for the Pretoria agreement? What next for Ethiopia?
June 2025 | CWA # 1694

Aashish Ganeshan

The US:
Harvard vs Trump Administration
June 2025 | CWA # 1691

GP Team

The World This Week #313
China-ASEAN-GCC Summit I President Macron's visit to South East Asia I Trump Vs Harvard
May 2025 | CWA # 1690

GP Team

The World This Week #312
Elections in Romania, Portugal & Poland I UK-EU Summit
May 2025 | CWA # 1689

Padmashree Anandhan

Ukraine
Continuing Russia’s Aerial Attacks, despite exchange of prisoners
May 2025 | CWA # 1688

Ayan Datta

Gaza
The Humanitarian Crisis and Israel’s Renewed Offensive
May 2025 | CWA # 1685

Aparna A Nair

UK-EU Summit:
First step towards a reset
May 2025 | CWA # 1683

Aashish Ganeshan

Elections in Portugal:
The Rise of Chega Party and the Search for Political Stability
May 2025 | CWA # 1679

Aashish Ganeshan

US in the Middle Easr
Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE
May 2025 | CWA # 1678

Gauri Gupta

China in Latin America
China-CELAC forum: Strengthening ties with Latin America and Caribbean
May 2025 | CWA # 1677

GP Team

The World This Week #310-311
China in Latin America and the Carribbean I Trump's Middle East Visit I Denmark as the new Arctic Chair
May 2025 | CWA # 1675

Lekshmi MK

Turkey:
PKK disbands after 40 years of armed insurgency
May 2025 | CWA # 1673

Padmashree Anandhan

Ukraine:
The Discussion in Turkiye and the Elusive Ceasefire
May 2025 | CWA # 1671

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

US, Ukraine and Russia:
Air attacks amidst a Minerals deal and Ceasefire Proposals
May 2025 | CWA # 1670

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

Singapore Elections in 2025:
People’s Action Party (PAP) Wins, Again
May 2025 | CWA # 1667

R Preetha and Brighty Ann Sarah

East Asia:
Tough Tariff Negotiations with the US
May 2025 | CWA # 1666

Padmashree Anandhan

The US-Ukraine
The mineral deal with the US
May 2025 | CWA # 1665
Conflict Weekly # 280-81
India-Pakistan De-escalation I Ukraine Discussion in Istanbul I The Battle over Port Sudan I Disbanding of PKK in Turkiye I France-Algeria Diplomatic Tensions
May 2025 | CWA # 1663

R Preetha

Canada Elections 2025:
What do the results convey? What next for Mark Carney?
October 2024 | CWA # 1480

IPRI Team

July 2024 | CWA # 1413

Ramya B

May 2024 | CWA # 1336

Femy Francis

April 2024 | CWA # 1275

Ramya B

March 2024 | CWA # 1251

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
March 2024 | CWA # 1246

Sivasubramanian K

February 2024 | CWA # 1226

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
November 2023 | CWA # 1148

GP Team

October 2023 | CWA # 1091

Annem Naga Bindhu Madhuri

Issues for Europe
October 2023 | CWA # 1087

PR Team

October 2023 | CWA # 1083

GP Team

August 2023 | CWA # 1049

IPRI Team

July 2023 | CWA # 1012

Bibhu Prasad Routray

Myanmar continues to burn
July 2023 | CWA # 1009

GP Team

December 2022 | CWA # 879

Padmashree Anandhan

The Ukraine War
December 2022 | CWA # 872

Sapna Elsa Abraham

November 2022 | CWA # 838

Rishma Banerjee

Tracing Europe's droughts
March 2022 | CWA # 705

NIAS Africa Team

In Focus: Libya
December 2021 | CWA # 630

GP Team

Europe in 2021
October 2021 | CWA # 588

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

TLP is back again
August 2021 | CWA # 528

STIR Team

Space Tourism
September 2020 | CWA # 337

Anju Annie Mammen

February 2020 | CWA # 235

Lakshmi V Menon

September 2019 | CWA # 162

Lakshman Chakravarthy N

5G: A Primer
December 2018 | CWA # 71

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal
December 2018 | CWA # 70

Nasima Khatoon

The Maldives
December 2018 | CWA # 69

Harini Madhusudan

India
December 2018 | CWA # 68

Sourina Bej

Bangladesh
December 2018 | CWA # 67

Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer

Afghanistan
July 2018 | CWA # 47

Rahul Arockiaraj

June 2018 | CWA # 26

Siddhatti Mehta