Rwanda Roundup: Grenade attack, migrant asylum, neurological diseases

Grenade attack on Burundi rebels

Rwanda has denied involvement in a grenade attack blamed on Burundi rebels. Tensions between the two countries are high as Burundi accuses Rwanda of supporting the rebels. Rwanda has called on Burundi to solve its internal problems and not associate Rwanda with the attack. "We call on Burundi to solve its own internal problems and not associate Rwanda with such despicable matters," government spokesperson Yolande Makolo said in a statement on May 12. The rebel group, RED-Tabara, denies responsibility for the attack. Relations between the two countries have deteriorated since early this year, with accusations and border closures, Africa News reports.

Migrant smuggles himself to avoid being sent to Rwanda

Pakistani asylum seeker Fawad smuggled himself from France to Dublin to avoid being sent to Rwanda by the UK government. He spent $8,000 on a dangerous journey through multiple countries and enlisted the help of people smugglers. More asylum seekers are choosing to go to Ireland instead of the UK due to the Rwanda plan. The Irish government plans to return migrants to the UK, although British ministers have said they will not accept them. According to reports, the UK Labour Party plans to scrap the Rwanda immigration policy if they come into power.

Neurological diseases

Medical professionals have called for more research into neurological diseases, like epilepsy, in Southern Rwanda, where they have long been linked to cysticercosis caused by tapeworm larvae. Limited research currently exists on its prevalence, but neurology specialists in Rwanda have reported encountering numerous epilepsy cases in the region, according to the New Times.

Northern Ireland blocks UK law to deport asylum-seekers to Rwanda

A Belfast judge has blocked a UK law that would have allowed asylum-seekers to be deported to Rwanda, citing human rights concerns. According to High Court Justice Michael Humphreys, the Illegal Migration Act violates rights outlined in the Good Friday peace accord of 1998 and is incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights, AP News reports.

EU countries want to introduce Rwanda-style scheme

Nineteen EU countries want to introduce deportation schemes similar to the one in Rwanda. The UK's new law has already shown a deterrent effect. The EU is considering allowing member states to transfer migration procedures outside the bloc's territory, Daily Mail reports. The High Court in Belfast ruled that the immigration legislation underpinning the Rwanda scheme cannot be applied in Northern Ireland as it is subject to EU human rights rules. EU ministers are set to approve new migration policies after the European Parliament voted them through last month.