Rwanda has successfully repatriated 119 refugees and asylum seekers from Libya as part of a humanitarian partnership with the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
This effort is part of Rwanda’s ongoing commitment under the Emergency Transit Mechanism (ETM), which provides life-saving assistance to refugees and asylum seekers trapped in detention centers in Libya.
The latest group of refugees arrived in Rwanda on Thursday, marking the 19th group to be repatriated from Libya since 2019. This group consists of individuals from five nations: 41 Sudanese, 36 Eritreans, 12 Somalis, 17 Ethiopians, and 13 South Sudanese nationals. Upon arrival, they were taken to the Gashora Transit Centre in Bugesera District, where they will receive care and support as they begin the next chapter of their lives.
Rwanda’s involvement in the ETM has offered a critical lifeline for refugees fleeing horrific conditions in Libya’s detention centers. Many of these individuals endured exploitation, abuse, and severe overcrowding while held in Libya, where migrants have been trapped amid ongoing conflict and insecurity.
Rwanda, through its Ministry of Emergency Management (MINEMA), has worked closely with UNHCR and other international organizations to ensure the safe passage and temporary resettlement of refugees. Upon arrival, the focus is on providing immediate protection, medical care, and psychological support.
“We prioritize the safety and well-being of these refugees after the extreme hardships they faced in Libya,” said Habinshuti. “Afterward, we collaborate with our partners to explore durable solutions, including resettlement in a third country, integration into Rwandan society, or safe return to their countries of origin.
The EU has provided €22 million to support Rwanda’s ETM efforts, with an additional €11 million pledged for the future. Belen Calvo Uyarra, the EU’s envoy to Rwanda, emphasized the importance of this financial support in maintaining the program and helping refugees find safety and stability.
Libya has been a major transit point for migrants attempting to reach Europe. However, the ongoing conflict has left thousands stranded in detention centers, where they face dire conditions. The ETM offers an escape for these individuals, providing a temporary haven in Rwanda until they can be resettled elsewhere or reintegrated into society.
Since the program began in 2019, Rwanda has repatriated over 2,400 refugees from Libya, with 1,835 of them successfully resettled in third countries. The Gashora Transit Centre has become a symbol of hope for these refugees, offering them a safe place to recover and plan for their future.
