Nigeria: UK suspends aid to Rwandaover support for DRC rebels

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
The UK government has announced that it will cease attending events hosted by the Rwandan
government and suspend aid to the east African nation. This decision comes in response to
Rwanda’s support for the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The M23 group has occupied several cities in the DRC, including Goma and Bukavu, and is
fighting for control of the country’s mineral-rich eastern region. The UK government has
expressed concerns over Rwanda’s involvement in the conflict and has called for an immediate
cessation of hostilities.

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) stated that the UK will
limit its engagement with the Rwandan government and pause financial aid to all but the
“poorest and most vulnerable” in Rwanda. The UK will also review export licenses for the
Rwanda Defence Force and suspend training for its soldiers.

The FCDO warned that the UK may impose sanctions on Rwanda if the situation does not
improve. The UK government has summoned Rwanda’s high commissioner to express its
concerns and has called for a political solution to the conflict.

The conflict in the DRC has resulted in thousands of deaths and displacement of people, with
many fearing that the situation could escalate further. The UK government’s decision to suspend
aid to Rwanda is seen as a move to pressure the Rwandan government to withdraw its support
for the M23 rebel group and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.