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Rwanda has criticized the United Kingdom after being hit with a pause in aid over its alleged support for M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Some shit you should know before you read: If you’re unaware, there’s an ongoing war in the DRC that goes back to 2012, when the M23 rebels broke off from the Congolese army. At the time, M23 accused the government of failing to honor a peace agreement. The conflict is rooted in ethnic tensions, political power struggles, and control over the region’s vast mineral wealth, which includes trillions of dollars worth of rare earth materials such as cobalt, gold, and tin. Rwanda is accused of backing M23 by providing military support, weapons, and logistical assistance, allegedly profiting from the illegal export of these minerals. Despite the accusations, Rwanda denies any involvement, insisting its actions are focused on securing its border from armed groups operating within DRC. Throughout the war, M23 has been accused of severe human rights abuses, including mass executions, recruitment of child soldiers, and rape, leading to mass displacements and a dire humanitarian crisis. Last week, the US rolled out sanctions on Rwanda’s minister of State over accusations that he was assisting M23.
What’s going on now: In response to M23 gaining significant ground in the DRC, the UK suspended certain aid payments to Rwanda over its alleged support for the rebel group. These measures include ending high-level UK government participation in Rwandan-hosted events, restricting trade promotion activities, suspending future defense training assistance, and reviewing export licenses for Rwanda’s military. Additionally, direct financial aid has been paused, except for programs supporting Rwanda’s poorest and most vulnerable citizens.
The UK stated that these sanctions would remain in effect until Rwanda takes significant steps to de-escalate hostilities and pulls its forces from the DRC, where the UN estimates thousands of Rwandan troops are operating.
In response, Rwanda condemned the UK’s actions, calling them “regrettable” and accusing the UK of siding with the Congolese government rather than promoting a sustainable political solution. The Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs argued that these measures would do nothing to resolve the crisis in the DRC and dismissed allegations that they were backing M23.
