Rwanda Denies Entry to Human Rights Researcher

Rwanda has denied entry to Clementine de Montjoye, a senior researcher from Human Rights Watch. This decision, coming just weeks before the UK sends asylum seekers to Rwanda, has raised concerns about Rwanda avoiding independent scrutiny. Human Rights Watch condemned the action, while the Rwandan government claims HRW fabricates its reports.

The Rwandan government has denied entry to Clementine de Montjoye, a senior researcher in Human Rights Watch’s Africa division, at Kigali International Airport on 13 May. This decision has led to accusations that Rwanda is avoiding independent scrutiny ahead of the UK sending asylum seekers to the country.

De Montjoye was to meet with foreign embassy officials but was informed she was not welcome for unspecified immigration reasons.

Human Rights Watch condemned the action as an attempt to stifle reporting.

Previously, De Montjoye informed the government of her travel plans but received no response.

The Rwandan government claimed HRW fabricates reports, while critics expressed concerns about Rwanda's treatment of critics and the UK's asylum seeker plans.