Rwanda Takes UK to International Court Over £50 Million Dispute

Kigali, January 28, 2026 - Rwanda has filed a case against the United Kingdom at the International Court of Arbitration in the Netherlands, claiming £50 million over alleged breaches of a bilateral agreement on undocumented migrants and economic cooperation.

The Rwandan government says the UK terminated the agreement unilaterally without prior consultation. The case, initially filed on November 24, 2025, invokes Article 22 of the agreement, which outlined provisions for sending undocumented migrants to Kigali and supporting economic development initiatives under the partnership.

The agreement, originally signed in April 2022 and implemented on April 25, 2024, was part of a joint effort to manage illegal migration and provide support for migrants living in precarious conditions. Rwanda emphasized that the agreement also addressed economic inequalities that push migrants into informal economies.

Following the election of UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in July 2024, the UK suspended the agreement, claiming it could not prevent undocumented migrants from entering the country by boat. Rwanda condemned the decision, saying it was made without consultation and contravened the terms of the agreement.

Rwanda also stated that in December 2024, the UK requested that £50 million payments due in April 2025 and April 2026 be delayed, citing plans to terminate the agreement. Negotiations to revise the terms did not occur, leaving Rwanda to insist that the funds must be paid as stipulated.

Rwanda’s complaint highlights multiple alleged breaches, including:

Failure to honor the agreed payment terms,

Non-compliance with Article 18 regarding financial obligations,

Violation of Article 19 concerning support for migrants facing hardship.

The Rwandan government emphasized that the dispute arose after repeated efforts to resolve issues amicably, which the UK refused, leaving Rwanda with no alternative but to seek legal recourse.

Rwanda underlined its ongoing commitment to protecting migrants, providing safe living conditions, and offering opportunities to support their survival and integration, despite the UK’s alleged refusal to fulfill its obligations.