January 18 2024- The atmosphere at Hope Hostel in Rwanda is described as eerie, with 50 double rooms cleaned daily, waiting for new arrivals. Located in the affluent Kagugu suburb of Kigali, the hostel, which used to be a refuge for survivors of the 1994 genocide, has been repurposed to host asylum seekers relocating from Britain. The hostel can accommodate up to 100 guests and has incorporated elements to cater to the needs of Muslim arrivals, including Qurans and prayer mats in each room. The signs around the hostel are in English and Arabic, and the restaurant has a large halal placard. Two prayer rooms on the top floors offer breathtaking views of Kigali’s green hills.
