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The Rwandan government has announced that it will not reimburse the Ksh.38.6 billion it received from the United Kingdom under an agreement to host asylum seekers. According to a statement by Rwanda Broadcasting Agency, government spokesperson Alain Mukuralinda clarified that the agreement did not include any provision for refunds in case of withdrawal by either party.
“We had an agreement. Both parties signed it, making it international. We began implementation, and if you decide to opt out… best of luck,” Mukuralinda stated. “There was no clause in the agreement for reimbursement; it never stipulated that the money would be returned.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in his first press conference, criticized the scheme as ineffective and confirmed his administration’s decision to discontinue it. The policy was initiated in April 2022 by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson to address the influx of unauthorized migrants crossing the UK border in small boats.
Under the agreement, the UK transferred Ksh38.6 billion to Rwanda to support the policy, which faced significant opposition from critics alleging human rights violations. In November 2023, the UK Supreme Court ruled the policy unlawful, citing concerns about Rwanda’s safety for asylum seekers. In response, the UK government negotiated a new treaty with Rwanda, introducing additional security measures and legislation designating Rwanda as a safe country.
Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak supported the policy, arguing it aimed to deter vulnerable migrants from joining criminal activities. In April 2024, the UK-Rwanda treaty was ratified, alongside the enactment of the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Act 2024 into law.
