Tensions between the UK and Rwanda have escalated over the scrapped migrant relocation deal, with the UK government declining to make any further payments to Rwanda. Rwanda’s spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, stated on Monday that the UK had asked Rwanda to “quietly forgo” the remaining $64 million of the agreed-upon payment based on “trust and good faith.” However, Rwanda is now demanding the full payment, accusing the UK of breaching trust following the suspension of bilateral aid to the country last month.
In response, a UK government spokesperson clarified that “no further payments in relation to this policy will be made,” asserting that Rwanda had waived any additional payments under the deal.
The fallout stems from the UK’s decision to cut aid to Rwanda, citing the country’s alleged support for the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This decision came shortly after the UK announced it would halt the controversial plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, a policy initially devised by the previous Conservative government. The UK had already allocated $310 million to the scheme before it was canceled by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s administration.
While there were hopes for a new trade or diplomatic agreement to offset the loss of the migration deal, those hopes are now dimming due to the ongoing accusations regarding Rwanda’s alleged backing of the M23 rebels, as well as human rights concerns. The Rwanda government has yet to comment on or address the accusations directly, leaving the situation unresolved and raising concerns about future diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Sources: UK Government, Rwanda Government, Associated Press
Prime-Minister-Keir-Starmer-Picture-by-Simon-Dawson-on-Wikipedia.
