Rwanda has initiated arbitration proceedings against the United Kingdom over the Migration and Economic Development Partnership, citing unpaid obligations and the UK’s unilateral suspension of the agreement.
In a statement, the Government of Rwanda said it submitted a Notice of Arbitration to the Permanent Court of Arbitration on November 24, 2025, under Article 22 of the treaty governing the partnership. The move formally launches arbitration proceedings against the UK.
The Migration and Economic Development Partnership was established at the request of the United Kingdom as a new approach to deter dangerous irregular migration routes while addressing global economic inequalities that drive mass migration. The agreement also reflected Rwanda’s long-standing policy of hosting refugees and migrants and its stated commitment to protecting vulnerable people. The treaty entered into force on April 25, 2024.
However, in July 2024, shortly after taking office, the UK Prime Minister publicly declared the partnership “dead and buried,” a move Rwanda says was made without prior notice and contrary to the cooperative spirit that had defined the agreement. Later the same day, Rwanda was informed that no further removals of individuals under the partnership were planned and that the UK would consider formally terminating the treaty.
In November 2024, the UK asked Rwanda to forgo two scheduled payments of £50 million each, due in April 2025 and April 2026, citing its intention to terminate the agreement. Rwanda said it indicated willingness to accept the proposed arrangement if the treaty were formally terminated and new financial terms were negotiated.
According to Rwanda, those discussions never took place, and the treaty remains in force. As a result, the outstanding payments remain due and payable under the agreement.
The arbitration is expected to determine the parties’ respective obligations under the treaty and address the financial claims arising from the UK’s suspension of the partnership.
