A British entrepreneur, Adam Bradford, who made Rwanda his permanent home in 2022, is hailing the Rwanda-UK migration treaty as a “sensible move” by the Rwandan government, emphasizing Rwanda’s commitment to be a dependable partner. The migration treaty aims to strengthen the existing Migration and Economic Development Partnership (MEDP) and has sparked reactions from various stakeholders.
During the signing ceremony in Kigali, the United Kingdom Home Secretary, James Cleverly, led the UK’s delegation and engaged in discussions with Rwandan government officials to map out the next steps of the migration plan. The treaty seeks to transfer migrants who arrive illegally in the UK via the British Channel to Rwanda. However, the UK’s original deportation scheme faced legal challenges, with the Supreme Court ruling it unlawful due to concerns about the safety of asylum seekers.
Adam Bradford, a prominent figure in the UK, lauded Rwanda as a secure, honest, and progressive partner for such a collaboration, based on his experience of living and working in the country for over a year. He highlighted the positive transformation and progressive policies that Rwanda has implemented, stating that the country is uniquely positioning itself as a magnet for investment and talent on the African continent.
Bradford also addressed the criticism surrounding the partnership, attributing it to biased and outdated views often directed at the Global South, including Rwanda and the broader African continent. He cautioned against unjust commentary and emphasized the need for a factual understanding of Rwanda’s progress and political landscape.
Furthermore, Bradford expressed confidence in the UK Prime Minister’s draft bill, which aims to affirm Rwanda as a safe country within British law. This bill, expected to be tabled before parliament, is anticipated to strengthen the partnership and provide additional assurances, ultimately fostering greater confidence in the migration treaty.
Having initially visited Rwanda for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2022) in June last year, Bradford attested to the positive transformation and opportunities present in Rwanda. His first-hand encounters, from engaging with immigration processes to interacting with local communities, have solidified his belief in Rwanda’s relentless positivity and determination to drive progress.
In conclusion, Adam Bradford’s testimony serves as a testament to Rwanda’s evolving landscape and its potential as a secure haven for migrants. His experiences underscore the need for a more nuanced and informed perspective on Rwanda’s role as a progressive nation, as well as the transformative opportunities it presents for international collaboration and investment.
