Beyond the rhetoric: Rwanda offers to settle up to 30,000 African migrants from Libya

More than two decades ago, Rwanda was abandoned by the world as bloodshed and human suffering made headlines in newspapers and on television screens. With determination and hardwork, the country has grown to become a source of inspiration to other African nations. Its President, Paul Kagame has been a strong voice in the unity of Africans and Pan-Africanism.

Kagame’s swearing in speech in the middle of this year strongly emphasised Pan-Africanism. He said, “the governance and prosperity of Africa cannot be outsourced.” Following the ongoing slavery crisis in Libya, Rwanda was one of the few African countries to show concern and promise to act to help those African immigrants who are victims of slavery in Libya.

In a tweet by the Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs it said: “Rwanda, like the rest of the world, was horrified by the images of the tragedy currently unfolding in Libya, where African men, women and children who were on the road to exile, have been held and turned into slaves. Given #Rwanda‘s political philosophy and our own history, we cannot remain silent when human beings are being mistreated and auctioned off like cattle. The Government and people of Rwanda stand in solidarity with our African brothers and sisters still held in captivity. Rwanda may not be able to welcome everyone but our door is wide open.”

Read: Libya says migrant repatriation flights to be stepped up

Statement by @RwandaMFA: Rwanda, like the rest of the world, was horrified by the images of the tragedy currently unfolding in Libya, where African men, women and children who were on the road to exile, have been held and turned into slaves.

— Government of Rwanda (@RwandaGov) November 22, 2017

The Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended its partnership with the African Union and the private sector “to ensure that they can provide minimum comfort to those in need.”

Moussa Faki Mahamat, the African Union Commission Chairperson in response to the offer by Rwanda said, “I am deeply appreciative of the offer made by the govt of #Rwanda to resettle up to 30 000 African migrants languishing in #Libya or transport those who wish to return to their countries of origin. I call on all African Member States, private sector + African citizens to pool resources and add the voices to support our brothers and sisters suffering in #Libya”

Read: Slavery crisis in Libya: Questioning the AU’ urgency

The African Union has come under fire for its slowness in reacting to the slavery in Libya. The slavery in Libya has drawn the ire of many black Africans.