Rwanda Moves to Arbitration After UK Cancels Asylum Agreement

Rwanda has formally initiated arbitration proceedings against the United Kingdom following the cancellation of a controversial asylum relocation agreement by the British government. Kigali confirmed it has filed a notice with the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, accusing Britain of breaching the financial terms of the migration partnership.

The asylum deal, signed before Prime Minister Keir Starmer took office, was designed to allow the UK to relocate migrants who entered the country illegally to Rwanda in exchange for financial compensation. However, the plan faced repeated legal obstacles and ultimately resulted in only four voluntary relocations before it was scrapped.

According to Rwanda, the UK requested in 2024 that it forgo two scheduled payments of £50 million each, due in April 2025 and April 2026, ahead of the deal’s formal termination. Kigali said it was open to discussions, provided the treaty was officially ended and new financial terms were negotiated.

Rwandan authorities claim those discussions never took place and insist the payments remain valid under the original agreement. As a result, the government says it is seeking arbitration to recover the funds it believes are still owed.

The UK government has rejected Rwanda’s position, describing the scheme as costly and ineffective. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Starmer said the policy consumed hundreds of millions of pounds while delivering minimal results, adding that Britain would defend its decision and focus on alternative approaches to tackling illegal migration.

The dispute adds to existing diplomatic tensions between the two countries. Relations deteriorated last year after the UK paused some aid to Rwanda over concerns about its alleged involvement in the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo—claims Kigali has consistently denied.

Rwanda maintains it does not support armed groups in the region and has blamed regional forces for the renewed violence that has displaced large numbers of civilians.