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The United Kingdom has taken a strong stance against Rwanda, suspending defence training and financial aid due to the country’s alleged involvement in the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The UK has warned that further sanctions will be imposed unless Rwanda withdraws its troops from its neighbor.
Rwanda has come under increasing international pressure for its alleged support of the M23 rebels, who have recently captured significant territory in the eastern region of Congo, including the cities of Goma and Bukavu. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of thousands of people and the displacement of many more.
The United Nations has reported that Rwanda has deployed thousands of troops in Congo, although President Paul Kagame’s government denies supporting the rebels. Instead, they claim that their army is simply defending itself against hostile forces.
This suspension of aid marks a significant shift in the relationship between the UK and Rwanda. Previously, the Conservative government had provided over £300 million in aid to Rwanda as part of a deal to receive asylum seekers. However, the Labour party cancelled this agreement after coming into power, and no asylum seekers were ever sent to Rwanda.
The UK’s foreign ministry has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, humanitarian access, engagement with African-led peace processes, and the withdrawal of all Rwandan Defence Forces from Congolese territory. They emphasized that there can only be a political solution to the conflict.
Despite regional peace efforts, the rebels’ offensive in eastern Congo continues unabated. Rwanda has been a major recipient of UK aid since Kagame’s Rwandan Patriotic Front came to power in 1994 following the genocide against ethnic Tutsis. However, Rwanda’s destabilizing role in eastern DR Congo has strained bilateral relations.
The UK’s decision to sanction Rwanda came after a meeting between Foreign Secretary David Lammy and DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi. Until significant progress towards peace is made, the UK will cease high-level attendance at events hosted by Rwanda, pause bilateral financial aid (excluding support to the poorest), and suspend future defense training assistance.
Additionally, the UK will coordinate with partners on potential further sanctions. This announcement coincides with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to reduce the UK’s aid budget to fund increased defense spending.
The United States, another supporter of Kagame’s regime, recently imposed sanctions on James Kabarebe, Rwanda’s minister of state for regional integration and a former army chief. The US Treasury cited Kabarebe as central to Rwanda’s support of the M23 rebels and their exploitation of Congolese mineral resources.
Rwanda’s foreign ministry has criticized the UK’s actions, stating that they will not contribute to achieving peace in the region. They view the punitive measures as unjustified and believe that the UK has taken sides in the conflict.
In conclusion, the UK’s decision to suspend aid to Rwanda reflects the international community’s growing concern over the situation in eastern Congo. It remains to be seen how Rwanda will respond to these sanctions and whether they will lead to a resolution of the conflict.
