The United Kingdom announced on Tuesday that it would be taking punitive measures against Rwanda for its alleged support of rebels who have gained control over two major cities in eastern Congo. The measures include pausing direct financial aid to Rwanda, with exceptions for support to the poorest Rwandans. Additionally, the U.K. will cease high-level attendance at events hosted by Rwanda's government and limit trade promotion activities with the country.
Furthermore, the U.K. government plans to collaborate with others on potential new sanctions designations. This will involve the suspension of future defense training assistance and a review of export licenses for the Rwandan army. The exact amount of direct financial aid provided by the U.K. to Rwanda was not immediately disclosed.
The sanctions are expected to increase pressure on Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who has been criticized for his country's involvement in securing the border with eastern Congo. Reports indicate that around 4,000 Rwandan troops are fighting alongside M23 rebels in the region, where the rebels have taken control of the capitals of North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.
M23 is considered one of the most powerful armed groups in eastern Congo, a region rich in untapped mineral resources crucial for global technology. Congo's President Félix Tshisekedi has refused peace talks with M23 rebels, accusing them of being a proxy army for Rwanda aiming to exploit the country's natural wealth illegally.
Rwandan authorities have criticized the U.K.'s measures as punitive and regrettable, emphasizing the importance of national security and the safety of Rwandans. The U.S. has also sanctioned a key member of Kagame's government for alleged involvement in the M23 rebellion.
Meanwhile, the European Union has suspended defense consultations with Rwanda and is reviewing a memorandum of understanding on critical raw materials signed with the country. The EU and Rwanda collaborate on peacekeeping missions in Mozambique and other regions.
The United Nations has warned that the conflict in eastern Congo poses a broader threat to the region, which has a history of long-standing conflicts resulting in the displacement of millions of people.
