UK Prime Minister Sunak’s ambitious asylum project faced a significant setback as RwandAir, the national airline of Rwanda, reportedly refused the government’s request to transport asylum seekers to the African nation. This latest blow adds to the mounting challenges confronting Sunak’s flagship initiative, which aims to address the UK’s asylum system.
Reports in the British press, citing insiders, say RwandAir executives expressed apprehension about potential damage to the airline’s reputation, leading to their decision to reject the proposal. As ministers scramble to secure airline partnerships, campaigners intensify efforts to dissuade travel firms from participating in what they deem an ‘inhumane’ project.
A UK Home Office (interior ministry) insider revealed to the Financial Times: ‘RwandAir said no because of the potential damage to their brand.’ Africa Briefing sought comment from RwandAir regarding this development.
Meanwhile, AirTanker, another aviation company, found itself under scrutiny after charity Freedom from Torture hinted at discussions with the Home Office. Despite ruling itself out of initial flight operations in 2022, AirTanker has yet to clarify its stance on future involvement. The charity’s campaign urging airlines to reject participation in the Rwanda project gained momentum, emphasising the ethical imperative to prioritise compassion and protection for asylum seekers.
Natasha Tsangarides, associate director of advocacy at Freedom from Torture, condemned the scheme as ‘inhumane and deeply shameful,’ urging airlines to reject what she described as a ‘cash for humans’ deal. Tsangarides emphasised the need for airlines to choose a different path and avoid profiting from the suffering of refugees.
‘These are men, women and children fleeing torture and other unimaginable horrors and they deserve our compassion and protection. It’s not too late for airlines to choose a different path and not be complicit in this “cash for humans” deal,’ she said.
Rishi Sunak, whose reputation hinges on the success of the project, remains optimistic despite the challenges. The controversial Safety of Rwanda Bill faces renewed scrutiny in Parliament following criticism in the House of Lords. ‘I’m confident that once the Bill is passed, we will be able to get the scheme up and running,’ Sunak said in statement following a meeting with Rwandan President Paul Kagame on Tuesday.
As pressure mounts on airlines and the government, the future of Sunak’s asylum project hangs in the balance, with ethical considerations and logistical challenges posing significant obstacles to its implementation.