Rwanda is suing the UK for compensation that could exceed £50 million, following Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's suspension of an immigration deal that had been established between the UK and Rwanda by the Conservative Party.

Sir Keir canceled the agreement that stipulated that asylum seekers would be removed from the UK and relocated to Rwanda, where they would be settled and given the opportunity to apply for asylum. This was one of the first measures he took after winning the election. Those being deported from the UK were to be temporarily housed at Hope Hostel, a facility that had announced in April 2024 that it was prepared to accommodate them.

Rwanda's lawsuit is being pursued at the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which is based in the Netherlands, with Rwanda represented by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Emmanuel Ugirashebuja.

Reports also indicate that Dan Hobbs, the head of the Immigration and Borders Department at the Home Office, has been selected to represent the UK in this arbitration, supported by a team led by Ben Juratowitch from Essex Court Chambers, which is located in London.

The Rwandan deal has been opposed by the Labour Party in its campaign for the upcoming 2024 general elections, describing it as a loss. They argued that the project had already cost millions of pounds and would benefit less than 1% of the asylum seekers entering the UK

The project to send asylum seekers to Rwanda was initiated in April 2022 and aimed to deter illegal immigration into the UK by relocating individuals to Rwanda, where their asylum applications would be processed.

However, the project faced legal challenges, leading to changes in agreements and legislation to make it viable. After political shifts in 2024, when the Labour Party, led by Sir Keir Starmer, came to power, the project was ultimately stopped before it could be fully implemented.

Rwanda has emphasized that hosting migrants aligns with its commitment to human rights, which is one of the core values upon which the country is built.

Rwanda is suing the UK for compensation that could exceed £50 million, following Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's suspension of an immigration deal that had been established between the UK and Rwanda by the Conservative Party.

NSANZIMANA Sylver

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