Rwanda is demanding a £50 million ($63.62 million) payment from the UK government after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer scrapped the controversial asylum deal, a source close to the Kigali government revealed on Tuesday. The demand comes after Britain paused bilateral aid to Rwanda over its alleged role in the Congo conflict.
UK-Rwanda Asylum Plan Officially Ended
The UK-Rwanda migration agreement, originally introduced by the Conservative government, aimed to relocate asylum seekers who entered Britain illegally to Rwanda. However, upon taking office in July 2024, Starmer canceled the policy, calling it a waste of taxpayer money.
UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed that the deal had already cost British taxpayers £700 million ($890 million). A UK government spokesperson stated on Tuesday that no further payments would be made, as Rwanda had waived additional financial claims in prior agreements.
Rwanda Challenges UK’s Stance, Citing Diplomatic Tensions
Despite the UK’s stance, Rwandan officials insist they are owed £50 million under the canceled agreement.
Yolande Makolo, Rwanda’s government spokesperson, accused the UK of breaking diplomatic trust, particularly after Britain imposed sanctions and halted some aid over Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23 rebel group in Congo.
“The UK had asked Rwanda to quietly forego the payment based on the trust and good faith existing between our two nations,” Makolo stated on X.
She added that the UK had breached this trust by taking punitive measures against Rwanda, which Kigali views as an attempt to coerce the country into compromising its national security.
UK Suspends Aid Over Rwanda’s Alleged Role in Congo Conflict
Last week, the UK government announced a pause in bilateral aid to Rwanda due to its alleged involvement in the Congo conflict. Rwanda is under global pressure over accusations that it supports the M23 rebel group, which has captured key cities such as Goma and Bukavu since January.
Kigali denies these allegations, claiming its troops are acting in self-defense against hostile groups based in Congo.
Financial Terms of the Canceled Agreement
Under the original asylum deal, Britain was set to pay Rwanda £50 million annually in April 2024 and April 2025, according to the National Audit Office (NAO). The agreement included a break clause, allowing either country to terminate the deal within three months, which Britain activated after sending only four people to Rwanda under a voluntary scheme.
The UK insists it is no longer financially obligated under the agreement, but Rwanda remains firm in its demand for compensation, further straining diplomatic ties between the two nations.
