The UK announced on Tuesday that it would suspend certain bilateral aid to Rwanda and impose diplomatic sanctions over Kigali’s alleged involvement in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a move the Rwandan government condemned as “punitive.”
Rwanda has come under increasing international scrutiny following accusations that it supports the M23 rebel group, which has seized large areas of eastern Congo since January, including the cities of Goma and Bukavu, as well as key mineral-rich territories.
Kigali has denied backing M23, insisting that its troops are only acting in self-defence against hostile groups operating from Congolese territory.
“The punitive measures announced today by the UK government in response to the conflict in eastern DRC – where the UK has now clearly chosen a side – are regrettable,” Rwanda’s foreign ministry said in a statement.
“The measures do nothing to help the Democratic Republic of Congo, nor do they contribute to achieving a sustainable political solution to the conflict in eastern DRC.”
A statement from the British government outlined that unless significant progress is made in de-escalating the conflict and ensuring the withdrawal of all Rwandan troops from Congolese territory, the UK would take a series of actions against Rwanda.
These measures include halting high-level participation in Rwandan government-hosted events, limiting trade promotion efforts, and pausing direct financial aid to Rwanda, except for programs that support the most vulnerable populations.
Additionally, the UK said it would coordinate with international partners on possible new sanctions, suspend future defence training assistance to Rwanda, and reassess export licenses for the Rwanda Defence Force.
“Rwanda may have security concerns but it is unacceptable to resolve these militarily. There can only be a political solution to this conflict,” a UK government spokesperson stated.
“We encourage DRC to engage with M23 as part of an inclusive dialogue. We will continue to keep our policy under review.”
