Rwanda’s ministry in charge of refugees on Friday said the government did not have to carry the burden of refugees who had perpetrated clashes in the western part of the country.
This comes following a Monday court ruling that denied bail to 22 Congolese refugees who are facing charges of inciting violence during the February protests at Kiziba refugee camp located in the western part of the country.
Muhanga High Court in Muhanga district ruled that the refugees be detained for a further 30 days as requested by the prosecution to allow more time for investigations to be conducted.
“Rwandan authorities cannot decide for other asylum countries, nor do we need to carry the burden of refugees who espouse lawlessness. For those refugees who wish to return to their country of origin, they are free to do so,” a statement from the Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs read in part.
The statement said the government of Rwanda in collaboration with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and other relevant agencies, remains willing to host peaceful refugees and provide them the usual support and benefits on condition that they respect the rule of law.
UNHCR earlier this week urged Rwandan authorities and Congolose refugees in Rwanda to exhibit restraint and remain calm following recent clashes that left one refugee dead and others injured at the Kiziba refugee camp.
23 other refugees were arrested for inciting violence in the camp.
