LONDON, UK – The British government announced on Tuesday that it would suspend some bilateral aid to Rwanda and impose diplomatic restrictions on Kigali over its alleged role in the conflict in eastern Congo.
The move comes amid mounting international pressure on Rwanda, which has been accused of backing the M23 rebel group.
Since January, M23 has seized large areas of eastern Congo, including the key cities of Goma and Bukavu, as well as regions rich in mineral resources.
Rwanda has repeatedly denied supporting M23, insisting that its military presence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a defensive measure against hostile armed groups operating from Congolese territory.
In a statement, the UK government said it would take action “until there is significant progress in ending hostilities and the withdrawal of all Rwanda Defence Forces from Congolese territory.”
The measures include pausing direct bilateral financial aid to the Rwandan government—except for funds directed at the most vulnerable—scaling back trade promotion efforts, and barring high-level UK officials from attending Rwandan government-hosted events.
Britain will also suspend future defence training for Rwanda’s military and reassess export licenses for the Rwanda Defence Force.
“Rwanda may have security concerns, but it is unacceptable to resolve these militarily. There can only be a political solution to this conflict,” a UK government spokesperson said.
The statement also urged the DRC to engage in dialogue with M23 as part of a broader peace effort.
The UK joins a growing list of Western nations reevaluating their ties with Rwanda over its involvement in the Congo crisis.
The United States and the European Union have also warned Kigali against escalating tensions in the region.
