Rwanda is seeking $63.62 million in compensation from the UK following the cancellation of a controversial asylum agreement, a source close to the Kigali government revealed on Tuesday. The demand comes after London suspended some bilateral aid to Rwanda due to its involvement in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The asylum plan, first introduced by the previous Conservative government, aimed to relocate migrants who had entered Britain illegally to Rwanda in exchange for financial compensation. By the end of 2023, the UK government had already transferred £240 million to Rwanda, with total payments expected to reach at least £370 million over five years, according to the National Audit Office.

However, after taking office in July, Prime Minister Keir Starmer scrapped the policy, prompting Rwanda to seek financial compensation for the cancelled agreement. Rwandan government spokeswoman Yolande Makolo stated that the UK had breached the trust between the two nations, citing unjustified punitive measures to coerce Rwanda into compromising its national security.

Makolo explained that the UK had asked Rwanda to quietly forego the payment based on the trust and good faith existing between the two nations. However, Rwanda is now following up on the funds, to which the UK is legally bound. The move highlights the strained relations between the two countries, particularly in light of the UK's recent suspension of financial aid to Rwanda.

The UK's decision to suspend aid was made in response to Rwanda's alleged backing of M23 rebels who have seized mineral-rich territories in eastern Congo. While Rwanda denies supporting the rebels, the UK government has stated that its sanctions will remain in place until there is progress in resolving the conflict, including the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from Congo.

The development has significant implications for the UK's asylum policy and its relationships with African nations. The cancelled agreement was widely criticized by human rights groups, who argued that it was inhumane and violated international law. The UK's decision to scrap the policy may be seen as a positive step towards a more humane approach to asylum seekers, but the dispute with Rwanda highlights the complexities and challenges involved in finding solutions to the global migration crisis.

In the broader context, the dispute between the UK and Rwanda underscores the need for more effective and sustainable solutions to the global migration crisis. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, conflict, and economic inequality, the need for cooperation and dialogue between nations becomes increasingly important. The UK's decision to cancel the asylum agreement may be a step in the right direction, but it also highlights the need for more comprehensive and humane approaches to addressing the root causes of migration.