Rwanda has taken United Kingdom to court over its failure to implement a 2021 agreement on relocating asylum seekers. The case, running until Friday, highlights Rwanda’s position that international agreements remain binding regardless of political changes.
Represented by Justice Minister Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, Rwanda contends the UK breached the deal by halting the program after the 2024 elections and refusing scheduled payments.
Under the agreement, Rwanda was to host asylum seekers arriving illegally in the UK, process their applications, and integrate them into society, while the UK committed to financial contributions via the Economic Transformation and Integration Fund (ETIF).
Rwanda argues that the agreement remains legally binding and that preparations had already been made in good faith. Key points in the agreement included Rwanda’s commitment to receive and process asylum seekers lawfully, integrate them into society, and respect their human rights, while supporting UK efforts to curb unsafe crossings.
Financial obligations are also at stake. Rwanda claims the UK owes £50 million for 2025 and another £50 million for 2026 under the Economic Transformation and Integration Fund (ETIF). The UK acknowledges the original commitment but asserts a legally valid amendment in November 2024 relieved it of further payments.
Rwanda seeks full payment or, at minimum, partial compensation of approximately £10.4 million for the third year, plus additional damages of £6 million linked to breaches of Article 19 concerning collaborative planning.
This case is being closely watched as a precedent for the enforcement of international agreements despite political transitions, with implications for Rwanda’s broader international cooperation and partnerships.
