Rwanda has condemned the UK for imposing sanctions due to its involvement with the M23 militia in the DRC, labeling it a “betrayal.” Canada and Germany have also enacted sanctions in response to the conflict, leading to the suspension of aid and trade agreements with Kigali. The Rwandan government is urging the UK to honor its financial commitments tied to a now-abandoned migration deal.
Recently, the Rwandan government expressed strong condemnation towards the United Kingdom, characterizing the imposition of sanctions related to its support for the M23 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as a “betrayal”. Canada and Germany have similarly enacted sanctions in light of the ongoing conflict in the east of the DRC, intensifying international scrutiny on Kigali’s military involvement.
Canada’s sanctions, announced just after the UK’s, include halting new trade initiatives and restricting export permits for controlled goods to Rwanda. In addition, Germany has declared a suspension of its financial aid to Rwanda, emphasizing a need for a reevaluation of existing cooperation and high-level engagements.
The German Cooperation Ministry issued a statement condemning the M23’s actions and expressed concerns regarding the violation of the DRC’s territorial integrity. Germany, which has provided Rwanda with annual aid of 50 million euros for various developmental projects, has suggested that the Rwandan government must withdraw its support for M23 militants in the DRC.
In response, Kigali criticized Germany’s decision, accusing it of politicizing development cooperation and allowing the DRC to evade accountability for its actions. Furthermore, Rwandan officials termed the European nations’ sanction imposition as shameful and indicative of an unfair stance in the conflict.
The Rwandan authorities have also urged the UK to fulfill its financial commitments regarding a controversial migration agreement, which was abandoned following a change in the UK government. Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo stated that trust had been broken between Rwanda and the UK due to what she deemed unjust punitive measures against her country.
The M23 group’s offensive has not only drawn widespread international condemnation but also exacerbated humanitarian crises in the region. The violence has reportedly dislocated thousands, raising extensive concerns over security and ethnic tensions within the DRC and its neighboring countries.
In summary, Rwanda’s recent sanctions from the United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany highlight the escalating geopolitical tensions tied to its military involvement in the DRC conflict. Kigali perceives these sanctions as a significant betrayal from the UK, evoking a broader discourse on international diplomacy and development aid. The situation remains critical, impacting regional security and humanitarian conditions.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
