Rwanda is demanding £50 million from the UK following the cancellation of the controversial migrant deportation scheme, escalating a diplomatic rift between the two nations. The Rwandan government has formally invoiced the UK for the payment, citing a breach of trust after Britain failed to officially terminate the agreement. Although no migrants were deported to Rwanda under the plan, the UK had initially agreed to pay £50 million as part of the deal. Rwandan government spokeswoman Yolande Makolo accused the UK of using "unjustified punitive measures" to pressure Rwanda, undermining the trust between the two countries.
The dispute comes amid broader tensions, as the UK recently suspended financial aid to Rwanda over its alleged support for the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Makolo also criticized UK officials for making "misleading" comments about Rwanda’s alleged ties to armed groups in the DRC, which she claimed fueled propaganda and disrupted peace efforts. The deportation scheme, initiated by the previous Conservative government, had already cost UK taxpayers £700 million, including £290 million paid to Rwanda, despite only four migrants being voluntarily relocated.
