The UK government has confirmed it will not make additional payments to Rwanda after scrapping the controversial migrant deal. Rwanda had reportedly requested the UK to honor a remaining £50m ($64m) payment, accusing the British government of breaching trust by suspending some aid. However, the UK insists that no further payments will be made, and Rwanda has agreed to waive any additional claims.
The dispute over payments follows the UK’s decision to cut bilateral aid to Rwanda, except for assistance targeting the most vulnerable. This move was linked to allegations that Rwanda has supported the M23 rebel group in eastern DR Congo. Rwanda has strongly denied these accusations, arguing that it has acted in self-defense against threats near its borders.
The migrant deportation plan, introduced by the Conservative government in 2022, cost the UK £240m ($310m) before being abandoned by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Starmer criticized the scheme as ineffective, stating it would have deported fewer than 1% of small boat arrivals and failed as a deterrent.
With tensions rising over unpaid funds, Rwanda has vowed to pursue outstanding payments, maintaining that the UK is legally obligated to settle them. Meanwhile, the UK government continues to stand by its decision, calling the deal a waste of taxpayer money.