Zambia to deport Rwandan illegal settlers
Published: 26/Mar/2015
Source: The New Times (Kigali)
Zambian Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Col. Kaunda Tushuke Panji has said his country will expel Rwandans who live in Zambia illegally as part of renewed bid to implement the cessation clause.
Panji made the remarks in Kigali at the conclusion of a tripartite meeting between Rwanda, Zambia and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) yesterday.The meeting was convened to review the progress of the implementation of the cessation clause for former Rwandan refugees living in Zambia.
“We have a responsibility that everyone acquires proper documents or returns to Rwanda, if not we will have to deport them. We believe in the Rwandan justice system and a lot of strides have been made here. Those who have cases to answer will do so in Rwanda. We are only required to implement international laws,” Panji told journalists.
During the two-day meeting, officials agreed on a three-month period to sensitise Rwandans living in Zambia to either repatriate or acquire proper documentation allowing them to stay there legally.
A total of 6,091 Rwandans, mostly former refugees live in Zambia, according to authorities from the southern African country.
Read further at The New Times.