Rwanda condemned the UK for ‘betrayal’ following sanctions due to its support for M23 in the DRC conflict. Canada and Germany have also implemented sanctions, including financial aid suspensions and restrictions on trade. Rwanda’s Ministry condemned these actions as harmful and counterproductive, asserting a violation of trust between the UK and Rwanda. The ongoing conflict raises concerns about ethnic protection and economic stability in the region.
In a recent escalation of international tensions, the Rwandan government expressed strong dissatisfaction with the United Kingdom following the imposition of sanctions related to Rwanda’s alleged involvement in the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This discontent arose shortly after Canada and Germany also announced similar punitive measures against Rwanda, citing the M23 offensive as a catalyst for their actions.
Following the UK’s sanctions, Canada unveiled its own restrictive measures, which include halting new trade initiatives and export permits for controlled goods and technologies intended for Rwanda. Germany subsequently declared a suspension of its financial aid to Kigali, amounting to 50 million euros annually, aimed at various development projects. The sanctions stem from concerns regarding the M23 group’s actions and their implications for the DRC’s territorial integrity.
The German Cooperation Ministry formally condemned the M23 offensive, asserting that it violates the sovereignty of the DRC and emphasizing the necessity of Rwanda’s withdrawal of armed forces from DRC territory. Berlin further stated that it has engaged in discussions on addressing Rwanda’s security concerns in relation to its involvement in the conflict.
In response, Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the politicization of development cooperation by Germany, stating that it undermines the African-led peace initiative in the DRC and could worsen conflict dynamics. Rwanda referred to the European sanctions as “shameful” and expressed dissatisfaction with the perceived betrayal of trust by the UK regarding a previous agreement about migrants.
Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo highlighted the expectation of good faith communication between the UK and Rwanda, lamenting that Britain’s recent actions have undermined that trust by enacting sanctions that compromise Rwanda’s national security priorities.
The conflict is exacerbated by the ongoing offensive of the Rwandan-backed M23 group, which has gained control over significant areas of eastern DRC, leading to widespread displacement. Both Rwanda and the DRC have justified their involvement in the conflict as protective measures for ethnic populations, though experts warn that this persistent fighting is detrimental to local economies and communities.
The sanctions imposed by Canada, Germany, and the UK reflect heightened international condemnation of Rwanda’s role in the DRC conflict, prompting strong criticism from the Rwandan government. Rwanda perceives these measures as a betrayal of trust, particularly in light of past agreements with the UK. The escalating conflict in eastern DRC continues to threaten regional stability and humanitarian conditions.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
