Rwanda Decries UK ‘Betrayal’ Amid International Sanctions Over DRC Conflict
Rwanda has criticized the UK for perceived betrayal following sanctions imposed for its involvement with M23 in the DRC conflict. Canada and Germany have also implemented sanctions, halting financial aid and trade initiatives. The M23’s actions, backed by Rwanda, have drawn international condemnation and raised concerns over the humanitarian situation in the region.
Following the recent imposition of British sanctions against Rwanda due to its involvement with the M23 in the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Rwandan government has expressed feelings of betrayal. In addition to the UK, Canada and Germany have announced similar punitive measures in response to Rwanda’s actions associated with the conflict.
On the heels of the UK’s sanctions, Canada, too, implemented restrictions concerning new trade initiatives with Rwanda, along with halting new export permits for controlled goods and technologies. Moreover, Germany declared that it would suspend its financial aid to Rwanda, which amounted to approximately 50 million euros annually for various developmental projects including economic growth and climate protection.
The German Cooperation Ministry condemned the actions of the M23 group, labeling the operations as violations against the DRC’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Germany has called for the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from the DRC while noting the need to consider Rwanda’s security concerns.
In response, Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized Germany’s decisions as “politicisation” of development cooperation, claiming it undermines Africa-led conflict-resolution processes. They termed the sanctions from European countries as “shameful” and highlighted a broken trust regarding a migration deal with the UK that is still pending.
Rwandan officials assert that the UK has previously requested Kigali to disregard the remaining payments related to the migrant agreement, which was allegedly based on mutual trust—now claimed to have been violated by the UK’s recent actions. In line with this, London had already ceased the majority of its financial aid to Rwanda.
As the M23 group’s offensive progresses, it has been met with considerable international criticism. The group, which is supported by Rwanda, has gained control over significant areas in the resource-rich eastern DRC, exacerbating the humanitarian situation there as thousands flee the conflict zone.
Both the Rwandan and Congolese governments assert that their military involvement is a means of protecting ethnic groups affected by the conflict. Experts warn, however, that ongoing hostilities are detrimental to local economies and the broader social fabric of the region.
In summary, Rwanda is facing increasing sanctions from the UK, Canada, and Germany due to its alleged support for the M23 rebel group in the eastern DRC, leading to Kigali’s outcry of betrayal. The sanctions encompass the suspension of financial aid and trade initiatives, leading to strained diplomatic relations. The violence instigated by the M23’s resurgence has drawn widespread condemnation, exacerbating humanitarian crises in the area. The complexities of regional ethnic conflicts continue to persist, posing significant challenges to peace and stability.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
