Another major war is looming – and western support for Rwanda is fuelling it | Dino Mahtani
GuardianJAN 19
UK: Rwanda Demands $63.6M For Cancelled Migrant Deal
Above: A man stands on the steps of the grounded Rwanda deportation flight EC-LZO Boeing 767 at Boscombe Down Air Base, on June 14, 2022, in Boscombe Down near Amesbury, Wiltshire, England. Image copyright: Dan Kitwood/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The UK will not provide any more payments for the canceled Rwanda plan while Kigali's continued role in the DRC remains increasingly concerning. With Rwanda backing rebel forces in a conflict that has caused immense suffering, the UK cannot justify funding a regime implicated in such destructive actions. Aid should remain suspended until Rwanda demonstrates a commitment to peace.
Establishment-critical narrative
Having used the promise of healthy future relations in order to avoid a £50M bill, the UK has gone back on its word and stripped Rwanda of vital aid and supplies following baseless allegations concerning the ongoing conflict in the DRC. Having terminated diplomatic goodwill, the UK can no longer expect Rwanda's legal right to this payment to be left unclaimed.