Rwanda's Financial Claims Dismissed: UK Avoids Payment in Canceled Asylum Deal

The Permanent Court of Arbitration rejected Rwanda's financial claims against the UK concerning a canceled asylum deal. Prime Minister Keir Starmer scrapped the deal after taking office in 2024, which had planned to send migrants to Rwanda. The dispute reflects strained UK-Rwanda relations and ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration has ruled against Rwanda's demand for tens of millions of pounds from Britain over a canceled asylum deal. Prime Minister Keir Starmer scrapped the arrangement in 2024, which would have transferred migrants illegally in Britain to Rwanda.

Rwanda claimed that Britain was obliged to pay at least £60 million ($80 million) after the deal's cancellation. However, the court found that Rwanda had agreed to forgo further payments starting April 2025, according to diplomatic notes.

This decision comes amid deteriorating relations between the two nations, with Britain pausing aid over Rwanda's alleged involvement in the DRC conflict. Accusations claim Rwanda supports the M23 rebel group, but Kigali denies these claims and points to neighboring forces as instigators of violence.