The Global campaign for human rights condemns in the strongest terms possible the alleged refusal of entry to three Rwandans to return home to exercise their political and civil rights.
On the 23rd of November 2016, the Rwandan government is alleged to have forced Kenya airways plane not to take on board three Rwandans, whom included the leader of an opposition party Ishema, Rev Father Thomas Nahimana. The latter accompanied by one man and a lady who has an 8-month baby were heading to Kigali to register their political party with a view to participate in the forthcoming 2017 presidential elections.
The decision is a violation of the international legal instruments which Rwanda is party to. For example the Universal declaration of human rights does specifically reaffirm the right of everyone to have a country and the right for every citizen to exercise their political and civil rights.
We would like to recall that the reason given by the RPF when it invaded Rwanda in 1990 was that the government of President Habyarimana had refused them to return home.
It is quite revealing to realise that this comes shortly after the European Parliament passed a resolution on the 6th of October 2016, which condemned “acts of intimidation, arrests, detentions and prosecutions of opposition party leaders, members and activists, as well as journalists and other perceived critics of the Rwandan Government, solely for expressing their view”.
The action of the Rwandan government also contradicts its campaign abroad that refugees have nothing to fear to return home.
London 23rd November 2016
Email: [email protected]
This is inaccurate and misleading, but not surprising form the authors. Only ‘Father’ Thomas was denied to board the aeroplane and the rest (including the poor 8 months old baby) decided not to board in solidarity with the run-away priest.
Secondly, the ‘priest’ was Travelling on a French passport, with an EATV (Tourist visa). He lied to acquire a tourist visa for political/employment putposes. Authors should understand that legally, the priest in Nairobi is holding a French passport and tourist visa. Would the US/UK/France easily allow in such a person had it been them?
Finally, Rwanda has showed that it is ruled by law, and it won’t be arm-twisted to bend laws because the subject is loud, or to please western backers. The French embassy in Nairobi should assist their ‘regal’ citizen.
Nick
Dear Nichalas Ntale.
1.quit lying to yourself, we hard pastor nahimana himself about getting stranded in Nairobi airport.
2. Its his right To request a visa to Rwanda the ways he sees things fit. its not up to you to say that.
3. its his right to choose his citizenship. as long he is born in Rwanda that’s his BIRTH right.
its a matter of time Rwanda will be FREE not everyone can be “intore”