ZCLU concerned with the arrest of a former refugee from Rwanda

The Zambian Civil Liberties Union (ZCLU) has expressed concern with the arrest and intended deportation of a named refugee from Rwanda who holds the Zambian Residence Permit. 

ZCLU Deputy Executive Director Maurice Makalu said his apparent imminent deportation comes at a time when the Rwandan government pushed the signing of some extradition agreements with Zambia that is meant to facilitate extradition of  refugees who Rwanda believes were associated with the 1994 genocide

He also expressed concern that the refugee's arrest was allegedly done based on reasons that he was named by Rwanda's rebel leader Maj Nsabimana Sankara Callixte in a court testimony that this refugee was the rebel leader's link and the refugee allegedly enjoyed friendship with former President Edgar Lungu.

He said the allegations, however, were denied by the Zambian Government as false and sensational.

He has since ZCLU reminded government that deportations of people legally in the country without due process is illegal, anti democratic and against the rule of law as it denies victims due to process.

He said as a democracy of good international standing and a country reputed as a beacon of peace, Zambia cannot and should not engage in secret and underhand methods of dealing with citizens or migrants using methods of repressive and dictatorial regimes.

He said the named refugee must be freed immediately, granted his rights to due process and protection of the constitution of Zambia, if he has to be deported.

He has since called on the UNHCR and the international community to take keen interest in the matter and ensure that refugees, who are owed protection by international law and the international community are protected from arbitrary detention and deportation to places where they can be persecuted and possibly killed.

"ZCLU visited the police station where the refugee is detained and engaged his family and lawyers. ZCLU has also alerted cooperating and international partners about this issue and will continue to follow it closely,"He said.