“Dead and Buried” but Not Settled: Rwanda Sues UK in International Court Over Scrapped Migrant Deal

By Lions Roar Aotearoa World Affairs Desk

THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS (Thursday, January 29, 2026) — In a dramatic escalation of the diplomatic fallout between Kigali and London, the Rwandan government has officially filed legal proceedings against the United Kingdom at the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague.

Rwanda is seeking significant financial reparations following Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s decision to terminate the controversial “Rwanda Scheme” immediately after the UK’s 2024 election—a deal Rwanda claims was cancelled without proper notice or legal adherence to treaty obligations.

🏛️ The Basis of the Lawsuit

The Rwandan government alleges that the UK breached international law by unilaterally abandoning the partnership, which was formally signed into effect in April 2024 under the previous Conservative government.

Lack of Notice: Rwanda claims PM Starmer declared the deal “dead and buried” without prior notification, which they argue contradicts the “spirit of partnership” embedded in the treaty.
Unpaid Dues: Despite the UK already paying roughly £290m (NZ$661m), Rwanda insists that further payments—including two £50m (NZ$119m) installments due in 2025 and 2026—remain legally payable.
Treaty Violations: Rwanda’s filing cites breaches of financial arrangements and Article 19, accusing the UK of failing to resettle vulnerable refugees as promised under the reciprocal terms of the agreement.

⚖️ The Legal Tug-of-War

The case presents a complex challenge for international law experts, specifically regarding the intersection of domestic rulings and international treaties.

The UK Argument: The UK Supreme Court ruled the deal “unlawful” in 2023, stating it violated both domestic and international law. The current Labour government maintains that since the deal was unlawful, no further financial obligations exist.
The Rwandan Argument: International law expert Jonathan Musangwa argues that a domestic court ruling (like the UK Supreme Court) does not automatically erase a nation’s obligations under an international treaty.

“A domestic judgment may prevent the government from implementing the scheme internally, but it does not by itself terminate the treaty or erase obligations that already exist between states,” Musangwa told the Associated Press.

📊 Timeline: The Rise and Fall of the Rwanda Deal

Date	Event
April 2024	The UK-Rwanda migrant deal officially enters into force.
July 2024	PM Keir Starmer takes office and declares the deal “dead and buried.”
Nov 2024	UK requests Rwanda to forgo £100m in future payments; negotiations fail.
Jan 2026	Rwanda officially sues the UK at the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

💬 The Cost of a “Dead” Deal

UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper previously revealed the staggering costs of the failed scheme, noting that nearly £300 million had been paid to Rwanda with only four voluntary deportees ever reaching the African nation.

The UK government has remained firm this week, stating it has “no intention” of making any further payments, setting the stage for a landmark legal battle in The Hague that could redefine how international migration treaties are terminated.