President Nyusi clarifies fate of Rwandans in Mozambique

Visiting Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi has pledged support to Rwandans living in Mozambique as in various capacities.

Friday, July 20, 2018
President Kagame and President Nyusi of Mozambique during today's press conference. (Courtesy)

Visiting Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi has pledged support to Rwandans living in Mozambique in various capacities.

There are an estimated 4000 Rwandans living in the Southern Africa country with some of them having sought refuge in the country during the pre-genocide era.

Countries invoked the cessation clause for Rwandans who fled the country between 1959 and 1998 after the December 31, 2017 as part of the 1951 Refugee Convention.

This means that from January 1, 2018 Rwandans who fled the country during the years in question lose refugee status and require no more international protection because fundamental and durable changes in their country of origin guarantee that there is no well-founded fear of persecution.

Speaking at a state bouquet hosted in his honour on Thursday night, President Nyusi said that Rwandans living in the country will facilitated to take their next course of action.

For Rwandans who wish to return home, he said there is a partnership with the Government to facilitate their re-integration in Rwanda.

Those who wish to remain there, will be accommodated, he said.

"In partnership with the Rwanda, we will support Rwandans who would like to return home and continue to host those who would like to remain in Mozambique,” President Nyusi said.

Nyusi said that Rwandans in his Mozambique had played critical roles in the country’s development especially in job creation by setting up Small and Medium Enterprises.