Rwanda Roundup: First migrant flight delayed, Rwanda Elections, Central Bank Digital Currency

First Rwanda migrant flight delayed

The first Rwanda migrant flight has been delayed until at least 24 July, casting doubt on the policy's timetable. A judge has been pressing for clarity on the start date. Legal challenges to the Rwanda plan are expected, and the policy could face months of legal battles, as reported by the BBC. The British government says the policy is essential to stop small boats crossing the English Channel, while the opposition criticises it as an expensive gimmick.

Agreement to support green and social initiatives

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and Rwanda have signed a partial credit guarantee agreement to support green and social initiatives. According to a release by the AfDB, the agreement will enable Rwanda to raise up to €200 million from international commercial banks and demonstrates the Bank's commitment to support sustainable financing and inclusive green growth in Africa. “The Government of Rwanda appreciates the partial credit guarantee as an innovative initiative of the African Development Bank to support countries to leverage their African Development Fund allocations,” Rwanda’s Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Uzziel Ndagijimana said.

Opposition seeks presidential nomination in elections

Diane Rwigara, a prominent opposition figure in Rwanda, has submitted her nomination papers for the upcoming presidential elections. She previously faced disqualification in the 2017 election due to alleged forged signatures. Rwigara has since been acquitted and is campaigning on a platform focused on eradicating poverty and promoting free speech. The elections will be held on July 15, 2024, with President Paul Kagame campaigning for re-election.

Trade union challenges Rwanda Act in UK High Court

The British High Court will hear a trade union's legal challenge against the UK Government's Safety of Rwanda Act, regarding the Civil Service Code and the Act's relationship. The challenge concerns guidance to civil servants on removing asylum seekers to Rwanda, even if a Rule 39 measure has been made, The Evening Standard reports. The hearing is scheduled for 10:30 am UK time on June 6 at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, and no decision is expected to be made at that time, according to The Evening Standard.

Development of Central Bank Digital Currency

Rwanda is developing a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) to align with its major trading partners and avoid hindrances in trade, Soraya Hakuziyaremenye, the Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda (NBR) says. The NRB is working on a CBDC feasibility study and aims to ensure interoperability with other digital currencies, Hakuziyaremenye disclosed in an interview with local media the New Times. “The CBDC would be a digital form of cash. In the same way, Rwandans use banknotes, coins to buy things, or even electronic payments to send money, the central bank digital currency would do the same,” she said.