The UK's recent decision to halt aid to Rwanda over its backing of the M23 rebel group has sparked a strong reaction from Rwandan authorities, highlighting tensions in the region.
UK Suspends Aid to Rwanda Amid DRC Conflict Controversy
UK Suspends Aid to Rwanda Amid DRC Conflict Controversy
Rwanda condemns UK's aid suspension as "punitive," tied to its support for the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Rwandan government has criticized the United Kingdom's suspension of aid, labeling it as "punitive" and asserting that it reflects the UK's alignment in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This aid cut is primarily in response to Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23 rebel faction, which has taken control of significant regions in eastern DRC amid violent clashes.
Previously, Rwanda had denied allegations of supporting the M23 but has now adopted a defensive stance, citing security concerns over conflicts spilling over the border. Since the resurgence of hostilities in January, the death toll has reportedly exceeded 7,000, with hundreds of thousands forced from their homes, according to DRC government statistics.
In an announcement, the UK government emphasized the humanitarian crisis in DRC as a driving force behind its decision. Yearly, Rwanda receives approximately £32 million (around $40 million) in bilateral aid, and the UK has declared this funding will be halted pending tangible progress in stopping hostilities and withdrawing Rwandan troops from DRC, an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 of whom are believed to be present in the conflict zone.
Rwanda’s foreign ministry expressed disappointment over what it views as unilateral actions from the UK that fail to support a sustainable resolution to the DRC crisis. UK-Rwanda relations have previously been strong, particularly following a contentious asylum-seeker deportation agreement that has since been abandoned.
International scrutiny has also intensified, as the US recently imposed sanctions on key Rwandan officials linked to the M23 support, actions that Rwandan authorities have dismissed as "unjustified." The M23 claims to represent the interests of the Tutsi minority in DRC and seeks to restore order purportedly undermined by a failing state.
Previously, Rwanda had denied allegations of supporting the M23 but has now adopted a defensive stance, citing security concerns over conflicts spilling over the border. Since the resurgence of hostilities in January, the death toll has reportedly exceeded 7,000, with hundreds of thousands forced from their homes, according to DRC government statistics.
In an announcement, the UK government emphasized the humanitarian crisis in DRC as a driving force behind its decision. Yearly, Rwanda receives approximately £32 million (around $40 million) in bilateral aid, and the UK has declared this funding will be halted pending tangible progress in stopping hostilities and withdrawing Rwandan troops from DRC, an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 of whom are believed to be present in the conflict zone.
Rwanda’s foreign ministry expressed disappointment over what it views as unilateral actions from the UK that fail to support a sustainable resolution to the DRC crisis. UK-Rwanda relations have previously been strong, particularly following a contentious asylum-seeker deportation agreement that has since been abandoned.
International scrutiny has also intensified, as the US recently imposed sanctions on key Rwandan officials linked to the M23 support, actions that Rwandan authorities have dismissed as "unjustified." The M23 claims to represent the interests of the Tutsi minority in DRC and seeks to restore order purportedly undermined by a failing state.
