Faith Nyasuguta
Rwanda has demanded £50 million (over $63.5 million) from the UK after the Labour Party scrapped the controversial deportation deal upon taking office, according to media reports. The deal, initially signed in April 2022 between Rwanda and the previous Conservative government in the UK, allowed some irregular migrants who arrived in the UK through the English Channel to be kept in Rwanda while their asylum claims were processed until a final decision was made on their cases.
Rwanda’s government spokeswoman, Yolande Makolo, stated on Monday on X, “The UK had asked Rwanda to quietly forego the payment based on the trust and good faith existing between our two nations.” She further accused the UK of breaching this trust through “unjustified punitive measures to coerce Rwanda into compromising our national security”.
Makolo also criticized UK Africa Minister Lord Collins of Highbury, accusing him of making “inflammatory and irresponsible comments” in parliament. These comments have added to the tension between the two nations, as Rwanda seeks to hold the UK accountable for the financial commitment made under the previous agreement.
The scrapped deportation deal has been a point of contention since its inception. The agreement aimed to address the issue of irregular migration by relocating migrants to Rwanda while their asylum claims were processed. However, the deal faced significant criticism from human rights organizations and political opponents who argued that it violated international asylum laws and put vulnerable individuals at risk.
In response to the Labour Party’s decision to scrap the deal, Rwanda has demanded compensation for the financial and logistical investments made in preparation for the agreement. The £50 million demand reflects the costs incurred by Rwanda in setting up facilities and infrastructure to accommodate the migrants.
Earlier, the UK imposed measures against Rwanda over its alleged support for the M23 rebels, including suspending direct financial aid, halting high-level attendance at Rwandan government events, and suspending defense cooperation. These measures have further strained the relationship between the two countries.
Last week, Rwanda’s Foreign Ministry stated that these measures “do nothing to help the Democratic Republic of the Congo, nor do they contribute to achieving a sustainable political solution to the conflict” in eastern Congo. The ministry emphasized that Rwanda remains committed to regional stability and cooperation, despite the challenges posed by the UK’s actions.
The demand for compensation highlights the broader implications of the scrapped deportation deal on Rwanda’s international relations and domestic policies. As Rwanda seeks to hold the UK accountable for its commitments, the situation indicates the complexities of international agreements and the potential consequences of policy changes.
As both nations navigate this dispute, the outcome will likely have significant implications for their future cooperation and diplomatic ties.
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