Rwanda has formally billed the United Kingdom for a £50 million (approximately Shs232 billion) payment under the now-abandoned migrant deportation deal, intensifying tensions between the two nations.
The demand comes in the wake of UK-imposed sanctions on Rwanda over its alleged involvement in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The dispute has highlighted a breakdown in trust, with Rwanda’s government spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, accusing the UK of reneging on its financial obligations while simultaneously imposing punitive measures.
“The UK had asked Rwanda to quietly forgo the payment when they could not transfer any more migrants to Rwanda, as their formal notification for termination was forthcoming,” Makolo stated. “However, the UK has failed to formally terminate the treaty as agreed.”
Under the original Migration and Economic Development Partnership, the UK had pledged £290 million, with additional payments of £50 million scheduled for 2024, 2025, and 2026. While the UK government now insists that no further payments will be made, Rwanda argues that the failure to formally dissolve the agreement legally entitles it to claim the funds.
The diplomatic fallout deepened last week when UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the suspension of direct financial aid to Rwanda, alongside sanctions that included cutting defense training, reviewing military export licenses, and limiting trade support. The UK government cited Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23 rebel group, which has been accused of fueling instability in eastern DR Congo.
In response, Makolo condemned the UK’s actions as an attempt “to coerce Rwanda into compromising our national security.” She also criticized UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, for making “irresponsible and inflammatory” remarks linking Rwanda to Uganda’s Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a group accused of deadly attacks in DR Congo.
The disagreement is further complicated by previous comments from Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who had suggested that if no asylum seekers were relocated under the agreement, Rwanda could consider returning the UK’s money. However, the Rwandan government later clarified that there was no binding obligation to issue a refund.
The UK has sought to downplay the dispute, with government sources telling the Telegraph that the scheme was a “waste of taxpayer money” and that no further payments would be made. “As stated clearly in notes verbale between the UK and Rwanda, no further payments in relation to this policy will be made and Rwanda has waived any additional payments,” a UK government spokesperson said.
The standoff underscores the rapid deterioration of UK-Rwanda relations, raising questions about the long-term diplomatic and economic implications of the abandoned deportation deal.
