By William James
LONDON (Reuters) -Britain on Tuesday said it would pause some bilateral aid to Rwanda and impose other diplomatic sanctions on Kigali over its role in the conflict in neighbouring Congo, a move Kigali termed “punitive”.
Rwanda is facing global pressure over allegations it supports the M23 group which, since January, has captured swathes of eastern Congo including the cities of Goma and Bukavu, and valuable mineral deposits.
Kigali denies backing the group but says its own troops are acting in self defence against hostile groups based in Congo.
“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 foreign ministry said in a statement.
“The measures do nothing to help the Democratic Republic of Congo, nor do they contribute to achieving a sustainable political solution to the conflict in eastern DRC.”
A statement from the British government said that until there was significant progress in ending hostilities and the withdrawal of all Rwanda Defence Forces from Congolese territory, Britain would take action.
This would involve ending high-level attendance at events hosted by the government of Rwanda; limiting trade promotion activity with Rwanda; and pausing direct bilateral financial aid to the government of Rwanda, excluding support to the poorest and most vulnerable.
The statement said Britain would also coordinate with partners on potential new sanctions, suspend future defence training assistance to Rwanda and review export licences 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.
“We encourage DRC to engage with M23 as part of an inclusive dialogue. We will continue to keep our policy under review.”
(Reporting by William James; additional reporting by Hereward Holland and George Obulutsa in Nairobi; editing by Michael Holden and Alexandra Hudson)
