The United Kingdom has imposed diplomatic sanctions on Rwanda and suspended some bilateral aid, citing Kigali’s alleged involvement in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The move, announced on Tuesday, marks a sharp escalation in international pressure on Rwanda, which has been accused of backing the M23 rebel group operating in eastern DRC.
In its statement, the UK government made it clear that these sanctions would remain in effect until significant steps were taken to de-escalate the conflict, including the full withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory. The United Nations estimates that thousands of Rwandan soldiers are currently active in eastern DRC.
The measures include ending high-level UK participation in Rwandan government events, limiting trade promotion efforts, reviewing export licenses for the Rwandan Defence Force, and suspending future defence training assistance. Direct financial aid to the Rwandan government will also be halted, except for programs aimed at supporting vulnerable populations.
A UK government spokesperson emphasized the need for a diplomatic resolution. “Rwanda may have security concerns, but it is unacceptable to resolve these militarily. There can only be a political solution to this conflict,” the spokesperson said. The UK also urged the Congolese government to engage in dialogue with M23 as part of a broader peace process.
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Rwanda swiftly responded, calling the UK’s decision “regrettable” and accusing it of taking sides in the conflict. In a statement, Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs argued that the sanctions would do nothing to bring peace to eastern DRC or contribute to a sustainable political solution.
Kigali has consistently denied accusations that it provides military support to M23, insisting that its forces are only defending Rwanda’s borders from threats posed by the Congolese army and armed groups hostile to Rwanda.
The UK’s sanctions follow a similar move by the United States, which recently targeted a top Rwandan official and a senior member of an armed group linked to the conflict. The US Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on Rwanda’s Minister of State for Regional Integration, James Kabarebe, alleging he played a central role in Kigali’s support for M23.
Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston, a key figure in the Congo River Alliance—a coalition that includes M23—was also sanctioned, along with two companies he controls in the UK and France.
The situation in eastern DRC has worsened in recent months, with M23 rebels seizing major territories, including Goma and Bukavu. The conflict has displaced approximately 500,000 people since January, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.
