By David Himbara
President Paul Kagame has lost the deal to receive African refugees thrown out of Israel. Kagame would have received $5,000 for each African. Israel was planning to dump over 35,000 Africans. That would have meant millions of dollars for Kagame. Imagine — if Kagame had taken in 35,000 at $5,000 per head, that would mean $175,000,000. Even if Kagame had taken in half the number, he would have made $87,500,000.
But now the deal is off. According to The Times of Israel, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees and several European countries have saved the refugees from Kagame.
More than 16,000 Africans will be resettled in unspecified Western countries. About 18,000 Africans will be given permanent residency in Israel.
For this victory against blatant human trafficking in the 21st century, we thank the following:
- Israel’s Supreme Court that blocked the trafficking of Africans to Rwanda.
- Israeli moral leaders and activists that conducted mass protests.
- The African refugees themselves that resisted their being trafficked.
- Israel media that kept the issue on the front page.
Kagame, you are free to repatriate hundreds of Africans trapped in Libya. You promised to assist with this. Please go ahead. The problem for you is that you will not receive $5,000 per head in this case — as you would have if you had trafficked African refugees from Israel.
