Rwanda has formally presented its case against the United Kingdom before an international arbitration court in The Hague, seeking £100 million in compensation over a collapsed migration agreement signed in 2022.

The hearing marks a significant escalation in the dispute between the two governments, following the UK’s decision to abandon the controversial plan that would have seen asylum seekers relocated to Rwanda.

The Rwandan government argues that it fulfilled its obligations under the agreement and made substantial investments in preparation for receiving migrants.

These included infrastructure development such as apartment complexes in Gahanga, on the outskirts of Kigali, intended to accommodate arrivals from the UK.

The dispute intensified in 2024 when the UK Prime Minister, on his first day in office, declared the migration deal “dead and buried,” effectively ending the partnership.

By that time, the UK had already paid nearly £300 million out of a total commitment estimated at £700 million.

Representing Rwanda in court, Emmanuel Ugirashebuja emphasized that the termination of the agreement was unilateral and unjustified, insisting that Rwanda is entitled to compensation for the financial and logistical commitments already made.

“Rwanda honored its part of the agreement in good faith. The decision to abandon the partnership does not erase the obligations that were already set in motion,” he told the court.

The UK, however, is expected to argue that the payments already made sufficiently covered any preparatory costs and that no further compensation is warranted.

The arbitration proceedings are being closely watched internationally, as they could set a precedent for how cross-border migration agreements are enforced and terminated.

A ruling in favor of Rwanda may have broader implications for similar bilateral deals around the world.

The court is expected to continue hearings before issuing a decision at a later date.