The European Union has imposed sanctions on three Rwandan military commanders and the head of the country’s mining agency over Kigali’s alleged support for armed rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Shortly after, Rwanda cut diplomatic ties with Belgium, accusing its former colonial ruler of persistently undermining it.
The EU targeted special forces commander Ruki Karusisi, two army division chiefs, Eugene Nkubito and Pascal Muhizi, and Francis Kamanzi, who oversees Rwanda’s mining sector.
This follows claims that Rwanda is backing the M23 rebel group, which has seized two major cities in the DRC, leaving thousands dead and millions displaced.
A United Nations report last year said Kigali effectively controls M23 and has 4,000 troops in the country. The Rwandan military denies direct involvement but insists the West ignores its security concerns.
Belgium has led the charge to hold Rwanda accountable, pushing for mineral trade restrictions and aid suspensions.
In response, Rwanda has ordered all Belgian diplomats to leave within 48 hours. Brussels dismissed the decision as extreme and announced it would recall its ambassador.
Meanwhile, the M23 says it is sending representatives to Angola for peace talks with the DRC government.
The negotiations, set for Tuesday in Luanda, will be overseen by Angolan President Joao Lourenço.
