Faith Nyasuguta
The United Kingdom has suspended financial aid to Rwanda and cut diplomatic engagement with the country over its alleged backing of the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This decision follows recent advances by M23, which has seized key cities, including Goma and Bukavu, in eastern DRC.
The UK government, through its Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), announced on Tuesday that it would limit its involvement with Rwandan officials due to Kigali’s reported military support for the rebels. According to UN experts, Rwanda has deployed around 4,000 troops to support M23, a claim that Rwanda denies.
The FCDO’s statement called for an “immediate cessation of hostilities, humanitarian access, respect for international humanitarian law, and the withdrawal of all Rwandan forces from Congolese territory.” It also urged the Congolese government to engage in an inclusive dialogue with M23 rather than relying on military action.
As part of the measures, the UK will halt financial aid to Rwanda, except for programs supporting the country’s poorest and most vulnerable populations. High-level UK officials will also stop attending events hosted by Rwanda, and trade promotion activities will be restricted. Additionally, all export licenses for the Rwandan military are under review, and military training programs for Rwandan soldiers have been suspended.
Britain also warned it might impose sanctions on Rwanda in coordination with international allies. The UK’s decision follows its summoning of Rwandan High Commissioner Johnston Busingye last week to express concerns over the ongoing conflict.
The eastern DRC has been a region of conflict for decades, particularly since the 1994 Rwandan genocide, when many Hutus fled to the area. Rwanda has long accused the Congolese government of integrating former Hutu genocidaires into its armed forces, a claim Kinshasa denies.
M23, which is predominantly made up of ethnic Tutsis, claims to be fighting against discrimination and persecution of Tutsis in the DRC. However, some analysts believe the group’s broader goal is to seize power in the Congolese capital, Kinshasa.
The UK’s move adds to growing international pressure on Rwanda. The United States has already imposed sanctions on Rwandan officials for their alleged role in fueling the conflict, while the UN Security Council recently passed a resolution calling for an end to foreign involvement in the DRC’s internal affairs.
As tensions continue to rise, the situation in eastern DRC remains volatile, with fears of further violence and humanitarian crises.
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