Rwanda condemns the UK's decision to suspend aid, claiming it is punitive and counterproductive to peaceful resolution efforts in the region.
UK's Aid Suspension to Rwanda Criticized as 'Punitive' Amid Ongoing DR Congo Conflict
UK's Aid Suspension to Rwanda Criticized as 'Punitive' Amid Ongoing DR Congo Conflict
Rwanda's government responds to UK's suspension of aid over support for M23 rebel group in eastern DR Congo.
The UK's decision to suspend certain aid packages to Rwanda has drawn criticism from the Rwandan government, labeling the action as "punitive." The suspension, announced by the UK in response to Rwanda's alleged support for the M23 rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), highlights the ongoing tensions in the region.
This year, the M23 — a rebel faction that has captured key cities in eastern DRC — has been embroiled in conflicts resulting in over 7,000 deaths and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians since renewed hostilities began in January. Rwanda, which had previously denied backing the M23, has changed its position, asserting that skirmishes near its border with DRC pose a security threat.
The UK government's statement cited the "critical" humanitarian situation in DRC as justification for the suspension, which excludes aid aimed at the nation's poorest and most vulnerable residents. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy mentioned that the UK typically provides about £32 million ($40 million) annually to Rwanda.
Apart from halting the aid, the UK government plans to explore additional punitive measures such as potential sanctions and the suspension of military training cooperation with Rwanda. These actions will remain in effect until Rwandan military personnel withdraw from DRC, where UN experts estimate that approximately 3,000 to 4,000 troops are currently stationed.
In response, Rwanda's foreign ministry expressed regret over the UK's stance, arguing that these "punitive measures" do not serve to aid the DRC or foster a lasting political resolution to the conflict. The UK had historically maintained good relations with Rwanda, exemplified by a multi-million-pound asylum deal established last year that intended to offload some asylum seekers to Rwanda, a plan that has since been abandoned.
The DRC government has actively sought international support for sanctioning Rwanda, mirroring recent actions taken by the U.S. Treasury Department, which imposed sanctions on key Rwandan officials and linked them to the support of M23. This includes James Kabarebe, Rwanda's Minister of State for Regional Integration, and Lawrence Kanyuka, an M23 spokesperson. In objection, Rwanda labeled these U.S. sanctions as "unjustified."
The M23 claims that it is fighting for the rights of the Tutsi community within DRC, advocating for order in a region beset by instability and violence.
This year, the M23 — a rebel faction that has captured key cities in eastern DRC — has been embroiled in conflicts resulting in over 7,000 deaths and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians since renewed hostilities began in January. Rwanda, which had previously denied backing the M23, has changed its position, asserting that skirmishes near its border with DRC pose a security threat.
The UK government's statement cited the "critical" humanitarian situation in DRC as justification for the suspension, which excludes aid aimed at the nation's poorest and most vulnerable residents. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy mentioned that the UK typically provides about £32 million ($40 million) annually to Rwanda.
Apart from halting the aid, the UK government plans to explore additional punitive measures such as potential sanctions and the suspension of military training cooperation with Rwanda. These actions will remain in effect until Rwandan military personnel withdraw from DRC, where UN experts estimate that approximately 3,000 to 4,000 troops are currently stationed.
In response, Rwanda's foreign ministry expressed regret over the UK's stance, arguing that these "punitive measures" do not serve to aid the DRC or foster a lasting political resolution to the conflict. The UK had historically maintained good relations with Rwanda, exemplified by a multi-million-pound asylum deal established last year that intended to offload some asylum seekers to Rwanda, a plan that has since been abandoned.
The DRC government has actively sought international support for sanctioning Rwanda, mirroring recent actions taken by the U.S. Treasury Department, which imposed sanctions on key Rwandan officials and linked them to the support of M23. This includes James Kabarebe, Rwanda's Minister of State for Regional Integration, and Lawrence Kanyuka, an M23 spokesperson. In objection, Rwanda labeled these U.S. sanctions as "unjustified."
The M23 claims that it is fighting for the rights of the Tutsi community within DRC, advocating for order in a region beset by instability and violence.
