Rwanda has invoiced the UK for £50 million following the cancellation of a deportation scheme. Despite no migrants being sent, Rwanda claims the UK has not legally terminated their agreement. UK officials have suspended aid due to Rwanda’s military actions in the DRC, leading to heightened tensions between the nations.
Rwanda has officially demanded £50 million from the United Kingdom following the cancellation of a contentious migrant deportation agreement. This invoice comes after the Labour Party scrapped the scheme shortly after winning the election, despite Rwanda claiming that the UK has not yet formally terminated the contract, thus justifying their request for payment. Notably, no migrants have been sent to Rwanda as part of the deal.
The diplomatic tensions escalated further when David Lammy, the UK’s Foreign Secretary, suspended aid to Rwanda and hinted at sanctions in response to Rwandan military involvement in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Rwanda’s government spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, stated that the UK violated the trust between the nations by implementing “unjustified punitive measures” relating to national security. Additionally, comments made by Lord Collins, suggesting links between Rwanda and a violent group in Uganda, sparked controversy until they were retracted.
Despite strong criticisms by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper regarding the Rwanda scheme as a financial misstep, alleging that it cost taxpayers £700 million for just a handful of migrant transports, the financial obligations under the agreement remain complex. So far, the UK has paid £220 million, with future installment payments of £50 million planned for the next three years. However, the UK’s contract contains a break clause, allowing for termination without further payments, which could complicate Rwanda’s claim.
Rwanda’s formal demand for the £50 million pertains specifically to the payment scheduled for April 2025. In her statements, Ms. Makolo emphasized the deteriorating trust stemming from the UK’s insistence that Rwanda forgo payments under the presumption of imminent contract termination. The UK government, however, continues to assert that the partnership is financially imprudent and has initiated measures to quell this bilateral arrangement, which they plan to conclude by repealing the related legislation, likely by summer.
In summary, Rwanda’s demand for £50 million from the UK highlights the tensions resulting from the cancellation of the migrant deportation scheme. The backdrop of military actions involving Rwanda in the DRC further complicates the relationship, exacerbated by recent criticisms from UK officials. As the UK seeks to terminate the agreement citing financial inefficiency, Rwanda’s claim adds a layer of complexity to this diplomatic issue.
Original Source: www.telegraph.co.uk
