UK Suspends Bilateral Aid to Rwanda, Talks of Additional Sanctions Over DRC Crisis

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UK Suspends Bilateral Aid to Rwanda, Talks of Additional Sanctions Over DRC Crisis

Loveworld / 8 minutes

February 25, 2025

2 min read

On Tuesday, the United Kingdom announced it would suspend certain forms of bilateral aid to Rwanda and introduce other diplomatic sanctions in response to Rwanda’s alleged involvement in the ongoing conflict in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Rwanda is facing global scrutiny over accusations of backing the M23 group, which has gained control of large portions of eastern Congo, including the cities of Goma and Bukavu, along with valuable mineral resources, since January.
Rwanda denies supporting the group, claiming that its military actions are in self-defense against hostile groups operating from Congo. According to a statement from the British government, these measures will remain in place until significant progress is made toward halting the violence and the complete withdrawal of Rwandan forces from Congolese territory. The actions include reducing high-level participation in Rwandan government events, scaling back trade promotion efforts, and pausing direct financial aid to Rwanda’s government, while still providing support to the country’s most vulnerable populations.
The UK also expressed its intention to work with international partners on possible additional sanctions, suspend future defense training assistance to Rwanda, and reassess export licenses for Rwandan military equipment. A British government spokesperson emphasized that while Rwanda’s security concerns are understood, a military solution is unacceptable, and only a political resolution will resolve the conflict. The UK also urged the DRC to engage in dialogue with M23 in an inclusive manner and stated it would keep its policy under review.
It is evident that external forces—whether Western powers or neighbouring nations influenced by western powers—are involved in supporting the M23 rebels. Sadly, it is often the people of these countries who suffer the consequences of leadership driven by greed and power struggles.