On 24 November 2025, Rwanda submitted a Notice of Arbitration to the Permanent Court of Arbitration under Article 22 of the MEDP treaty, marking the official start of the legal process.

The partnership, which entered into force on 25 April 2024, was designed to curb dangerous migration journeys while addressing global economic imbalances that drive irregular migration. It reflected Rwanda’s longstanding commitment to protecting vulnerable people and hosting refugees and migrants from around the world.

Shortly after taking office in July 2024, the UK Prime Minister declared the MEDP “dead and buried” without prior consultation with Rwanda, contrary to the spirit of the agreement. Rwanda was later informed that no future removals of individuals under the MEDP were scheduled and that the UK would consider formally terminating the treaty.

In November 2024, the United Kingdom requested that Rwanda forgo two scheduled payments of £50 million due in April 2025 and April 2026, citing the anticipated termination of the treaty. Rwanda expressed willingness to accept new arrangements if the treaty were officially ended, but negotiations did not materialize, leaving the amounts still due.

Despite Rwanda’s efforts to resolve these issues, the UK has refused to honor its financial obligations and its commitment to resettle vulnerable refugees hosted in Rwanda. Shortly after Rwanda filed its response to the Notice of Arbitration, the UK formally notified Rwanda of the treaty’s termination, effective 16 March 2026.

In arbitration, Rwanda advances three claims:

• Breach of an exchange of notes governing the treaty’s financial arrangements.
• Breach of Article 18 regarding these financial commitments.
• Breach of Article 19 by failing to make arrangements for resettling vulnerable refugees.

Rwanda regrets that arbitration has become necessary but stresses that the UK’s unwillingness to address these matters left no alternative. The country remains steadfast in its commitment to providing safety, dignity, and opportunity to refugees and migrants while contributing to global solutions to the migration crisis.