Rwanda condemns UK sanctions as a “betrayal” following similar sanctions from Canada and Germany over the DRC conflict. Germany suspends aid and cooperation, while Canada halts trade initiatives. Rwanda decries the sanctions as counterproductive, urging for justice in migrant agreements and emphasizing national security concerns amid ongoing violence from the M23 group.
The Rwandan government has condemned the UK’s recent sanctions imposed due to its participation with the M23 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) conflict, deeming it a “betrayal.” These sanctions follow Canada and Germany’s similar actions in response to the ongoing conflict. Canada announced sanctions involving a halt on trade initiatives, while Germany decided to suspend aid to Rwanda and halt high-level engagements.
Germany’s suspension includes a review of current cooperation agreements, focusing on conflicts involving the M23 group, which violates DRC territorial sovereignty. They highlighted a commitment to the region’s stability while emphasizing the need for Rwandan security concerns to be acknowledged. Currently, Rwanda receives around 50 million euros annually from Germany, which supports various development projects.
In response, Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized Germany’s perceived politicization of development assistance, stating it undermines efforts for an African-led conflict resolution. Kigali described the sanctions from European nations as “shameful” and insisted that the UK pay the remaining balance of a controversial migrant deal that had been put on hold last year.
Rwanda’s spokesperson Yolande Makolo stated that the UK’s actions betrayed the trust established between the two nations, asserting that the punitive measures threaten Rwanda’s national security. In addition to UK sanctions, Canada has revoked export permits and economic project participation in Rwanda, aggravating the situation further.
The ongoing conflict, primarily fueled by the Rwanda-backed M23 group, continues to receive global condemnation as it expands into economically crucial regions of eastern DRC. Thousands have fled due to violence, and various stakeholders claim their involvement is aimed at protecting specific ethnic populations, despite regional destabilization and destruction of livelihoods resulting from this warfare.
In summary, Rwanda’s sanctions from the UK, Canada, and Germany reflect escalating geopolitical tensions surrounding the conflict in the DRC. The Rwandan government views these sanctions as an affront to its national integrity and cooperation efforts. The international community’s call for accountability highlights the dire humanitarian consequences of the conflict, suggesting a need for diplomatic resolutions rather than punitive measures.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
