Rwanda Foreign Minister responds to UK financial aid pause over DRC conflict

Rwandan officials on Tuesday evening responded to measures taken by the United Kingdom to limit new trade activities with Kigali and pause direct bilateral financial aid which excludes support to the poorest and most vulnerable in the East African nation.

Through a statement posted on X, Rwanda’s foreign ministry said, “the punitive measures announced by the UK Government in response to the conflict in eastern DRC — where the UK has now clearly chosen a side — are regrettable.”

“It is unreasonable to expect Rwanda to compromise its national security and the safety of Rwandans,” the ministry said, adding, “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.”

The ministry re-iterated sentiments by President Paul Kagame who in previous statements said the DRC’s government is responsible for the conflict in its eastern region and that Rwanda is taking security precautions to protect itself.

The ministry also said “Rwanda is fully committed” to taking part in the Africa-led mediation efforts focused on bringing peace to eastern DRC.

The statements by the Rwandan ministry were in reaction to statements from the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, or FCDO, which expressed concern for the conflict in eastern DRC.

FCDO reiterated the UK’s allegations also supported by Kinshasa and international bodies that Rwanda is backing the M23’s aggression in the eastern regions of DRC. Kigali has repeatedly denied supporting the rebels.

Credit: VOA