Rwanda Condemns UK ‘Betrayal’ Amidst Growing International Sanctions

Rwanda has criticized the UK for recently imposed sanctions related to its role in the DRC conflict, marking a perceived betrayal. Concurrently, Canada and Germany also instituted sanctions against Rwanda. These measures include suspending trade initiatives and financial aid, citing a violation of DRC’s sovereignty, while Rwanda defends its involvement as necessary for ethnic protection.

Rwanda has expressed strong discontent towards the United Kingdom for what it perceives as a betrayal, following the imposition of British sanctions related to its alleged involvement with the M23 group in the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This criticism coincides with additional sanctions announced recently by Canada and Germany that target Rwanda for similar reasons.

In response to the M23 offensive, Canada has implemented sanctions that include halting new trade initiatives and export permits for controlled goods and technologies bound for Rwanda. Concurrently, Germany has suspended its annual aid of 50 million euros, which is allocated for various development projects, including energy, climate protection, and vaccine production, citing the violation of the DRC’s territorial integrity.

Germany’s Cooperation Ministry has stated that it will suspend new financial commitments and high-level meetings with Rwanda, emphasizing the need for the Rwandan armed forces to withdraw from the DRC. Discussions with Kigali reportedly continue to address Rwanda’s security concerns.

The Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has criticized Germany’s stance as “wrong and counterproductive,” arguing it undermines efforts for an African-led resolution to the DRC conflict. Kigali has denounced the imposition of sanctions as “shameful” and has urged the UK to settle outstanding payments linked to the contentious agreement for processing migrants from the UK in Rwanda, asserting that the UK has breached established trust.

Additionally, the UK has announced a suspension of financial aid to Rwanda, coinciding with Canada’s decision to halt export permits. The M23 group’s aggressive actions have escalated the humanitarian crisis in the region, resulting in significant displacement of local populations while invoking international condemnation.

Amidst these sanctions, Rwanda contends that the DRC’s government is allied with a military group involved in the persecution of Tutsi populations, alleging ethnic protection as a motive for its intervention. However, experts highlight that the ongoing conflict ultimately devastates local economies and livelihoods rather than fostering security for ethnic communities.

In summary, Rwanda has publicly condemned the UK’s sanctions as a betrayal, while also facing punitive measures from Canada and Germany over its involvement with the M23 in the DRC conflict. The sanctions include trade restrictions and the suspension of aid, reflecting international disapproval of Rwanda’s actions in the region. Meanwhile, Rwanda’s government maintains its position regarding ethnic protections, amidst broader geopolitical implications of the conflict.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr