UK, US Sanction Rwanda over Alleged Support for M23 Rebels in DRC

The United Kingdom and the United States have imposed sanctions on Rwanda in response to its alleged support for the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), escalating international pressure on Kigali to cease its involvement in the conflict, Al Jazeera reports.

The UK announced Tuesday that it would pause some bilateral aid and impose diplomatic sanctions on Rwanda, including ending high-level attendance at events hosted by the Rwandan government, limiting trade promotion activity, suspending future defense training assistance, and reviewing export licenses for the Rwandan Defence Force. Direct financial aid will be put on hold, with exceptions for support to the poorest and most vulnerable.

The UK’s move comes as the M23 has seized significant territory in eastern DRC, including areas near the key cities of Goma and Bukavu, displacing an estimated half a million people since January. The United Nations estimates that thousands of Rwandan soldiers are operating within Congolese territory.

“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 stated.

The UK emphasized that the sanctions will remain in place until Rwanda demonstrates significant progress in ending hostilities and withdrawing its troops from the DRC.

Rwanda responded sharply to the UK’s actions, stating that the sanctions are “regrettable” and claiming they will reduce the likelihood of peace.

“The punitive measures announced today by the UK government in response to the conflict in eastern DRC – where the UK has now clearly chosen a side – are regrettable,” Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

Kigali denies providing arms and troops to the M23, asserting that its actions are in self-defense against the Congolese army and groups hostile to Rwanda.

The US Department of the Treasury also imposed sanctions last week on Rwanda’s Minister of State for Regional Integration, James Kabarebe, accusing him of being “central to Rwanda’s support” for the M23 armed group. Additionally, the US sanctioned Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston, a senior member and spokesperson for the Congo River Alliance, which includes the M23, and two companies he controls in the UK and France.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy recently met with both Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC President Felix Tshisekedi to discuss the escalating conflict. A UK government spokesperson said Lammy had made it clear that the international community would respond strongly.