On 25 Oct. 2021, Honorable Minister Marie Solange KAYISIRE welcomed to Gashora Emergency Transit Mechanism (ETM) Center Mr. Josep Borrell; the EU High Representative/Vice-President European Commission. The visit had as objective to witness ongoing activities of providing life-saving protection and assistance to refugees evacuated from Libya.

The visit was characterized by different events including a short meeting with government and UNHCR officials, a guided tour around the center and tree planting. 

Josep Borrell said his visit to Gashora was an opportunity to witness a huge responsibility by the Government of Rwanda to welcome hundreds of refugees and asylum seekers evacuated from Libya and protect them. He commended the Government of Rwanda and the people for solidarity, generosity and giving hope to vulnerable asylum seekers and refugees in Africa in need of protection and safety.

“It’s an impressive example of Intra-African solidarity. It’s very moving to see these people here, they are much better than in Libya, they have hope. So we have to thank the Rwandan people and the Rwandan Government for their support.” Said Mr. Josep Borrell; the EU High Representative.

The Minister in charge of Emergency Management KAYISIRE Marie Solange commended EU support to the ETM and emphasized that the cooperation is key to successful refugee protection and assistance.

“EU delegation witnessed ongoing activities of protection and assistance to refugees evacuated from Libya. The EU provide a significant support to effective operations of the ETM and we commend the current good cooperation that enhances protection and assistance to persons of concern.” Said Minister KAYISIRE.  

Currently Rwanda hosts 215 asylum seekers in ETM Centre Gashora. A total of 648 refugees and asylums seekers were received from Libya starting from September 26, 2019 when the first group composed of 66 people was received. So far six groups have been received as of today.  

Different partners operating in ETM Centre Gashora, provide refugees with accommodation, food, water, medical care, psychosocial support, and language classes.

A Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Rwanda, UNHCR and African Union was signed in September 2019 to establish the working terms and conditions for an Emergency Transit Mechanism (ETM) in Rwanda to serve as the safe pathway for refugees, and asylum-seekers who are currently trapped in Libya facing serious protection risks. 

The Emergency Transit Mechanism was established to temporarily host evacuees for their stay in Rwanda, while rable solutions including repatriation and resettlement are being identified.