Rwanda has formally invoiced the United Kingdom for a £50 million (about Shs232 billion) payment under the now-cancelled migrant deportation scheme.
The Kigali demand comes on the back of sanctions the UK government imposed on Rwanda over its alleged involvement in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
It follows a breakdown in trust between the two nations, with Rwanda’s government spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, accusing the UK of failing to honour its financial obligations while taking “punitive measures” against Rwanda.
“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 said.
“This request was based on the trust and good faith existing between our two nations. However, the UK has failed to formally terminate the treaty as agreed.”
The UK had pledged £290 million under the Migration and Economic Development Partnership, with three further payments of £50 million scheduled for April 2024, 2025, and 2026.
While the UK government insists that no further payments will be made, Rwanda argues that the failure to formally end the agreement allows it to claim the funds.
This dispute comes amid a wider diplomatic fallout triggered by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s decision last week to suspend direct financial aid to Rwanda and impose additional restrictions.
The UK also announced a series of sanctions, including suspending defense training, reviewing export licenses for Rwanda’s military, and limiting trade support.
Lammy justified the move by citing Rwanda’s alleged backing of the M23 rebel group, which has been accused of fueling instability in DR Congo.
Makolo condemned the UK’s actions as an attempt “to coerce Rwanda into compromising our national security.”
She also criticised Lord Collins, the UK minister for Africa, for what she called “inflammatory and irresponsible” comments linking Rwanda to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a Ugandan rebel group blamed for deadly attacks in DR Congo.
The dispute has also been fueled by previous remarks from Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who had suggested he was open to returning UK funds if no asylum seekers were relocated under the agreement.
“It’s only going to be used if those people will come. If they don’t come, we can return the money,” Kagame said earlier this year.
However, Rwanda later clarified that there was “no obligation” to issue a refund and that any decision would be made at its discretion.
The UK government, meanwhile, has sought to downplay Rwanda’s claims, the Telegraph reported.
A spokesperson insisted 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,” the UK government said.
The diplomatic row underscores the unraveling of the UK-Rwanda partnership, which was once seen as a key pillar of Britain’s efforts to deter illegal migration.
With legal challenges blocking the deportation of asylum seekers and political shifts in the UK, the agreement has become a source of growing friction rather than cooperation.
