UK Cuts Aid to Rwanda Over Alleged Support for DRC Rebels

The UK government has suspended financial aid to Rwanda and scaled back diplomatic engagement with Kigali over allegations that Rwanda is supporting the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The move follows growing concerns about the rebels’ advances in the DRC’s mineral-rich eastern region.

Britain Condemns Rwandan Involvement in DRC Conflict

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) announced on Tuesday that it would limit interactions with Rwanda’s government in response to its alleged role in the conflict. UN experts estimate that the M23 rebels, who have recently taken control of key cities like Goma and Bukavu, are supported by around 4,000 Rwandan troops.

In a statement, the UK government called for an immediate halt to hostilities, unrestricted humanitarian access, adherence to international humanitarian law, and the withdrawal of all Rwandan forces from Congolese territory.

Suspension of Aid and Diplomatic Ties

As part of its response, Britain will stop high-level participation in Rwandan government events and suspend most financial aid, except for support directed at the “poorest and most vulnerable” communities. Trade promotion efforts with Rwanda will also be reduced, while export licenses for the Rwanda Defence Force are under review, and military training programs have been halted.

Additionally, the UK has warned that it may coordinate with international partners to impose new sanctions on Rwanda.

“Rwanda may have security concerns, but resolving them militarily is unacceptable. There can only be a political solution to this conflict,” the FCDO stated, urging the DRC government to engage in dialogue with M23.

Rising Tensions in Eastern DRC

The eastern DRC has long been a hotspot for conflict, with tensions tracing back to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Following the genocide, many Hutus fled into the DRC, and Rwanda has accused the Congolese government of incorporating some of those responsible into its military—an allegation Kinshasa denies.

M23 claims to be fighting to protect Tutsis in eastern DRC from discrimination. However, some analysts suggest the group’s true goal may be to seize power in Kinshasa, the Congolese capital.

Last week, the UK summoned Rwanda’s high commissioner, Johnston Busingye, to formally express its concerns over the escalating violence.