Kigali condemns London’s sanctions over the M23 advance in DR Congo as ‘punitive measures’.
Rwanda has expressed that international sanctions will hinder the peace efforts with M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) following the United Kingdom’s announcement of pausing some bilateral aid and implementing diplomatic sanctions on Kigali.
“The punitive measures announced today by the UK government in response to the conflict in eastern DRC – where the UK has now clearly chosen a side – are regrettable,” stated Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday.
“The measures do nothing to help the Democratic Republic of Congo, nor do they contribute to achieving a sustainable political solution to the conflict in eastern DRC.”
The UK informed that the sanctions on Kigali will continue until there is substantial progress in ending hostilities and a complete withdrawal of all Rwandan soldiers from Congolese territory, as estimated by the United Nations to be in the thousands.
Despite Rwanda denying allegations of providing arms and troops to M23, they claim their forces are acting in self-defence against the Congolese army and groups opposing Kigali.
M23 has taken control of significant areas in the mineral-rich eastern DRC, including major cities like Goma and Bukavu, resulting in the displacement of approximately half a million individuals since January.
The diplomatic sanctions imposed by the UK involve ceasing high-level participation in events hosted by the Rwandan government and limiting trade promotion activities.
Additionally, the UK will cooperate with partners on potential new sanctions, halt future defense training assistance, and reassess export licenses for the Rwandan Defence Force.
Direct bilateral financial aid will be suspended, except for support to the most impoverished and vulnerable populations.
“Rwanda may have security concerns but it is unacceptable to resolve these militarily. There can only be a political solution to this conflict,” stated a spokesperson from the UK government.
“We encourage DRC to engage with M23 as part of an inclusive dialogue. We will continue to keep our policy under review.”
Last week, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy met with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Kigali and DRC President Felix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa, emphasizing a strong response from the international community to the escalating conflict.
Similarly, the US Department of the Treasury recently imposed sanctions on a Rwandan government minister and a senior member of an armed group for their alleged involvement in the conflict.
The US sanctions targeted Rwanda’s Minister of State for Regional Integration James Kabarebe, as he is deemed “central to Rwanda’s support” for the M23 armed group.
The sanctions also focused on Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston, a senior member and spokesperson for the Congo River Alliance – which consists of M23 – and two companies he controls in the UK and France.
