Rwanda has been included among seven African countries that France wants to work with under a proposed new framework aimed at addressing irregular migration to the French-administered island of Mayotte.
The proposal was announced on August 26, 2026, by French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu during a two-day visit to Mayotte. France is considering a system known as “bonus-malus,” which would link some development assistance to how countries cooperate with France on migration-related issues.
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Rwanda Among Seven African Countries
According to Lecornu, the proposed framework would involve Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Comoros, Somalia and Kenya.
France wants these countries to cooperate in addressing irregular migration, combating human trafficking networks and facilitating the return of migrants from Mayotte.
Lecornu instructed France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs to prepare the framework for implementation from 2026, with efforts expected to be strengthened in 2027.
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How the “Bonus-Malus” System Would Work
Under the proposed system, countries that cooperate more closely with France on migration issues could receive greater development assistance.
Lecornu explained the idea by saying: “It is normal for a country to receive more when it plays a role in meeting our expectations regarding migration.”
The proposal therefore seeks to make development assistance partly dependent on how governments respond to migration challenges.
However, the French Prime Minister clarified that humanitarian assistance would not be suspended for countries from which migrants originate. Instead, the proposed measures would mainly concern development assistance.
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Why Is France Concerned About Mayotte?
Mayotte is an island in the Indian Ocean that is administered by France. It has experienced a long-running problem of irregular migration, particularly involving people from countries in East Africa and the nearby Comoros region.
French authorities have been seeking greater cooperation from countries of origin and transit to reduce irregular migration, combat human trafficking and facilitate the return of people who do not have the right to remain in Mayotte.
Concerns About Linking Aid to Migration
The proposed policy has also attracted criticism from development and humanitarian organizations.
Matthieu Paris of CCFD-Terre Solidaire argued that development assistance should primarily be used as a tool for cooperation rather than as a means of putting pressure on African countries.
The debate therefore raises a broader question about whether countries should receive development assistance based partly on their willingness to cooperate with European governments on migration.
What the Proposal Could Mean for Rwanda
For Rwanda, being included in the proposed framework places the country among a group of African states that France considers important partners in addressing migration-related challenges.
The details of how the “bonus-malus” system would operate have not yet been fully established. France is expected to develop the framework before implementation, while the impact on development cooperation with the seven countries will depend on the final rules.
The proposal also highlights the growing connection between migration, development assistance and international cooperation, particularly between European countries and African states.
