UK Suspends Bilateral Aid To Rwanda Over Congo Crisis

UK Suspends Bilateral Aid To Rwanda Over Congo Crisis

Britain announced on Tuesday that it would suspend certain bilateral aid to Rwanda and apply additional diplomatic restrictions on Kigali due to its role in the neighboring Congo crisis.

Rwanda is under international criticism over charges that it supports the M23 militia, which has taken control of large areas of eastern Congo, including the cities of Goma and Bukavu, as well as important mineral reserves, since January.

Kigali denies assisting the militia, claiming that its own troops are operating in self-defense against hostile organizations in Congo.

𝐑𝐖𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐀 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐒 𝐌𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐒 𝐁𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐔𝐊

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. It is unreasonable to expect Rwanda to compromise… pic.twitter.com/vJNe9CJDvR
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Int'l Cooperation (@RwandaMFA) February 25, 2025

According to a British government statement, Britain will take measures until there is considerable progress toward ending hostilities and the evacuation of all Rwanda Defence Forces from Congolese territory.

This would entail discontinuing high-level attendance at Rwandan government-hosted events, as well as curtailing trade promotion efforts with Rwanda.

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Furthermore, they would suspend direct bilateral financial help to Rwanda’s government, with the exception of assistance to the poorest and most vulnerable citizens.

According to the statement, Britain will also collaborate with partners on potential further sanctions, freeze future defense training assistance to Rwanda, and review export licences for the Rwanda defense Force.

UK takes action vs Rwanda — but sanctions still merely "potential."
"The recent offensives by M23 and Rwanda, including the capture of Goma and Bukavu, are an unacceptable violation of DRC sovereignty and territorial integrity and a breach of UN Charter."https://t.co/vk6p3vxY7C pic.twitter.com/2ugFn8pA9W
— Geoffrey York (@geoffreyyork) February 25, 2025

“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 said.

“We encourage DRC to engage with M23 as part of an inclusive dialogue. We will continue to keep our policy under review.”

UK Suspends Bilateral Aid To Rwanda Over Congo Crisis