Rwanda is demanding £50 million from the United Kingdom following the cancellation of their controversial migrant deportation agreement, escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nations. The Labour government, after its recent election victory, announced the termination of the scheme, but reportedly failed to formally cancel the contract, leading Rwanda to argue that the UK is legally obligated to make the payment.
Yolande Makolo, the spokesperson for the Rwandan government, stated on X (formerly Twitter) that the UK had initially asked Rwanda to waive the payment quietly, relying on the mutual trust between the two countries. However, she accused the UK of betraying this trust by imposing punitive measures intended to pressure Rwanda into compromising its national security. She also criticized Lord Collins, the UK Minister for Africa, for making inflammatory remarks in Parliament, stating that Rwanda would now pursue the funds it believes it is owed.
This dispute comes amid already strained relations between the two countries. The UK recently suspended parts of its financial aid to Rwanda, citing concerns over Kigali’s support for the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The British government announced that it would pause bilateral aid, except for funds directed toward vulnerable populations, reduce trade promotion efforts, and limit diplomatic engagement with Rwanda until it withdraws its forces from the DRC and ends hostilities.
The original migrant deportation deal was signed under the Conservative government and aimed to relocate certain asylum seekers to Rwanda. The UK had already paid £240 million as part of the agreement, but no deportations ever took place due to legal challenges and widespread criticism from human rights organizations. The new Labour administration scrapped the scheme, but Rwanda argues that the agreement remains legally binding and is now demanding an additional £50 million.
The UK government has yet to issue an official response to Rwanda’s demand, but this escalating dispute could further strain diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries.
Therwandan
