UK's Aid Suspension to Rwanda Deemed 'Punitive' by Kigali

• Feb 26, 2025

Rwanda has criticized the UK’s decision to suspend part of its aid, calling it a "punitive" action following allegations of Rwandan support for the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).

In a statement, the UK government cited Rwanda’s involvement in the conflict as the reason for halting bilateral aid, except for assistance directed at the country's most vulnerable populations. The UK expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in eastern DR Congo, where ongoing violence has killed more than 7,000 people and displaced hundreds of thousands since January.

Rwanda, which previously denied supporting the M23, has recently shifted its stance, claiming that instability near its border threatens national security. The M23, a rebel group active in eastern DR Congo, has seized vast territories, including major cities like Goma and Bukavu.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy revealed that Rwanda receives approximately £32 million ($40 million) annually in UK bilateral aid. In addition to suspending funding, the UK government announced other measures, including reviewing potential sanctions and pausing future defense training programs. These restrictions will remain in place until Rwanda makes "significant progress" in ceasing hostilities and withdrawing military personnel from DR Congo.

According to UN estimates, between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan troops are currently stationed in eastern DR Congo. The UK’s actions come amid increased pressure from DR Congo’s government, which has urged international powers to impose sanctions and cut financial support to Rwanda.

Rwanda’s foreign ministry condemned the UK’s response, accusing it of taking sides in the conflict. "These punitive measures neither help DR Congo nor contribute to a sustainable political solution in the region," the ministry stated.

The UK and Rwanda have traditionally maintained strong ties, including a controversial 2022 agreement in which the UK planned to send asylum seekers to Rwanda. However, the deal was scrapped last year following a shift in the UK government.

Meanwhile, the US has also taken steps against Rwanda, imposing sanctions on James Kabarebe, the country’s Minister of State for Regional Integration, for allegedly coordinating support for the M23 rebels. Lawrence Kanyuka, the spokesperson for M23, along with two companies linked to him in France and the UK, were also sanctioned by the US Treasury. Rwanda dismissed these sanctions as "unjustified."

M23 claims to be fighting for better rights for the Tutsi minority in DR Congo and aims to restore order to what it describes as a failed state. However, its rapid territorial gains have escalated tensions in the region, drawing condemnation from the international community.