Rwanda has condemned British sanctions, viewing them as betrayal amid sanctions from Canada and Germany over its actions in the DRC conflict. Germany has also ceased aid and called for a withdrawal of Rwandan support for M23, while Rwanda criticizes the politicization of German aid and the UK’s failure to honor a migration deal. The M23 offensive continues to cause widespread displacement and international concern.
The Rwandan government has expressed outrage over recent British sanctions linked to its involvement with the M23 group in the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Kigali perceives this action as a betrayal by the United Kingdom, particularly in light of concurrent sanctions announced by Canada and Germany for similar reasons.
Following the UK sanctions, Canada implemented measures suspending new trade initiatives and export permits for controlled goods intended for Rwanda. Germany has also declared a suspension of financial aid and high-level engagements with Kigali, condemning the M23’s actions and emphasizing the violation of DRC’s territorial integrity.
Germany typically provides Rwanda with 50 million euros annually for various development projects. The German Cooperation Ministry has reiterated calls for the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from the DRC while addressing Rwandan security concerns as part of its ongoing dialogue with Kigali.
In response, the Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized Germany’s “politicisation” of development cooperation as misguided. The Rwandan government argues that such sanctions undermine efforts to resolve the conflict peacefully and accuse Germany of ignoring DRC’s own violations. Additionally, Kigali has raised concerns regarding the UK’s handling of a controversial migrant agreement, alleging betrayal of trust.
The UK previously announced it would suspend much of its financial aid to Rwanda and is now reassessing its participation in projects within the country. The M23 group’s offensive has been met with global condemnation, as it continues to seize control over valuable mineral-rich areas in the DRC, resulting in significant displacement of civilians.
Both the Rwandan and Congolese governments contest their involvement in the conflict as necessary for protecting ethnic groups, yet experts suggest that ongoing violence is detrimental to the economies and lives of those in the region.
In summary, Rwanda’s condemnation of the UK’s sanctions reflects a broader geopolitical concern as Canada and Germany have also imposed punitive measures related to the conflict in the DRC. The Rwandan government perceives these actions as a betrayal of trust and counterproductive to peace efforts. The ongoing situation underscores the complexity of ethnic tensions and security issues in the region, raising significant humanitarian concerns.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
