Rwanda has condemned UK sanctions, calling them a “betrayal” following sanctions by Canada and Germany over its involvement with the M23 in the DRC conflict. The sanctions include halting trade initiatives and aid suspensions. Rwanda claims these actions deepen the conflict and undermine trust regarding previous agreements on migration.
Rwanda has publicly denounced the United Kingdom’s recent imposition of sanctions, labeling it a “betrayal” in light of its alleged support for the M23 group amidst the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This criticism follows similar sanction announcements from Canada and Germany, aimed at penalizing Rwanda for its involvement in the conflict that has destabilized the eastern DRC.
Canada announced sanctions on Monday, which include halting new trade initiatives and export permits for controlled goods to Rwanda, prompted by the M23’s offensive. In a parallel response, Germany has decided to suspend its financial aid to Rwanda, amounting to 50 million euros annually for economic and developmental projects. This action was taken to indicate its disapproval of M23’s activities and to demand the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from the DRC.
The German Ministry of Cooperation also criticized Rwanda’s involvement, stating that it undermines the territorial integrity of the DRC. Furthermore, it emphasized the importance of addressing Rwandan security concerns in discussions with Kinshasa. Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs countered that Germany was politicizing developmental cooperation, thus prolonging conflict and reinforcing the DRC’s aggressive stance.
Kigali criticized the sanctions from European nations as “shameful” and requested the UK honor prior agreements related to the controversial migration deal for illegal migrants. Rwandan government spokeswoman Yolande Makolo highlighted that the UK’s actions have undermined trust between the two nations, prompting a sense of betrayal over perceived unmerited punitive measures.
The situation has intensified with M23’s advances in the region, resulting in thousands fleeing their homes. Alleging that Kinshasa collaborates with groups threatening Tutsi populations, Rwanda maintains that its military actions are a means of ethnic protection. However, experts argue that this continuing violence ultimately devastates the region’s economies and the livelihoods of its residents.
In summary, the recent sanctions imposed by the UK, Canada, and Germany on Rwanda, due to its association with the M23 group in the DRC conflict, have been met with vehement backlash from Kigali. The Rwandan government perceives these actions as not only a betrayal by the UK but also detrimental to peace efforts in the DRC. The escalating conflict raises concerns of broader implications for regional stability and humanitarian conditions, highlighting the need for a comprehensive resolution.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
