Rwanda’s government has criticized the UK’s suspension of aid as “punitive,” emphasizing that the measures do not aid progress toward resolving the ongoing conflict in the region.
UK Suspends Aid to Rwanda Amidst DR Congo Conflict: Rwanda Calls It 'Punitive'
UK Suspends Aid to Rwanda Amidst DR Congo Conflict: Rwanda Calls It 'Punitive'
The UK has halted some of its financial aid to Rwanda in response to the country's support for a rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Rwandan government expressed disappointment following the UK's recent decision to suspend some aid amidst escalating violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where the Rwanda-supported M23 rebel group has seized control of major cities. The UK stated the aid halt, which excludes assistance to those in dire poverty, was necessary due to Rwanda's involvement with the M23 group, which has been linked to significant casualties and widespread displacement.
Historically, Rwanda has denied supporting the M23 but has shifted to a defensive stance, citing security threats from conflicts along their shared border. Reports indicate over 7,000 lives have been lost since January, with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government calling the situation "critical."
On Tuesday, the UK government announced a range of measures that accompany the suspension, including potential sanctions and a halt on defensive training to Rwandan forces until the withdrawal of military personnel from the DRC is confirmed, as UN experts estimate the presence of 3,000 to 4,000 Rwandan troops in the area.
In a retaliatory statement, Rwanda's foreign ministry condemned the UK's actions, labeling them as “punitive measures” that do little to foster a political resolution. Historically, ties between the two nations had been positive, highlighted by a controversial deportation deal struck in 2022 that faced subsequent legal challenges and was eventually abandoned.
The DRC's government has been campaigning for international sanctions against Rwanda. Recently, the US Treasury Department implemented sanctions on key Rwandan officials, including James Kabarebe, accusing them of supporting the M23. In response, Rwanda deemed the sanctions "unjustified."
The M23 claims it aims to secure better rights for ethnic Tutsis in the DRC and restore order to a region plagued by governmental failures. Their recent offensive has seen the capture of Goma and Bukavu, the largest cities in eastern DRC.
