Rwanda’s Government Spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, announced that Rwanda respects the ruling of the International Arbitration Tribunal in the case against the United Kingdom. The tribunal, based in the Netherlands, decided that Rwanda will not receive payments from the UK following the cancellation of the migration agreement.
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Composition of the Panel
The tribunal consisted of three arbitrators: Peter Tomka from Slovakia (chair), Mohamed Abdel Wahab from Egypt, and Joan Donoghue from the United States. Their decision was announced on Monday, rejecting Rwanda’s claims for payments.
Rwanda’s Claims
Rwanda had requested confirmation that £50 million due in the second year of the agreement was still owed, another £50 million for the third year, or alternatively £10.4 million for the active period before termination. Rwanda also claimed violations of Articles 18 and 19, requesting £6 million in compensation or an apology.
UK’s Response
The UK rejected all claims and asked the tribunal to dismiss them. The tribunal ultimately ruled against Rwanda, rejecting the demand for the £50 million payment due in the second year.
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Judge’s Separate Opinion
Professor Mohamed Abdel Wahab dissented, arguing that the £50 million remained a legal debt under Article 13 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties.
He concluded that diplomatic exchanges in November 2024 did not legally amend the treaty, meaning the payment obligation still stood. His opinion highlighted the central legal question: whether diplomatic exchanges can remove financial obligations already included in a binding agreement.
Rwanda’s Position After the Ruling
Yolande Makolo stated that Rwanda respects the tribunal’s decision and considers the matter closed, while noting Abdel Wahab’s separate opinion as evidence of the case’s complexity. She emphasized Rwanda’s commitment to working with international partners based on cooperation and international principles.
Background of the Dispute
The dispute arose after the UK cancelled the migration agreement under which asylum seekers would be sent to Rwanda. Initially introduced under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s government, the agreement was later abandoned by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration after the July 2024 election. Rwanda argued that a change in government policy does not remove obligations under a binding agreement.
Main Provisions of the Agreement
The agreement aimed to prevent dangerous migration journeys, combat human‑smuggling networks, and allow Rwanda to process asylum claims while protecting migrants’ rights.
Rwanda emphasized that the deal aligned with its refugee integration and development strategy, consistent with Vision 2050. The UK acknowledged financial commitments but argued that diplomatic exchanges in November 2024 altered the agreement, removing obligations for further payments.
