The United Kingdom (UK) has slapped Rwanda President Paul Kagame with six sanctions over alleged involvement in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) war.
A statement from the British government said recent offensives by M23 and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), including the capture of Goma and Bukavu, are an unacceptable violation of DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a breach of the UN Charter.
“The UK calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, humanitarian access, respect for international humanitarian law, meaningful engagement with African-led peace processes, and the withdrawal of all Rwanda Defence Forces from Congolese territory,’ read the statement in part.
UK foreign secretary David Lammy in his meetings with DRC President Felix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa and President Kagame in Kigali on 21 and 22 February was clear that there can be no military solution to the conflict.
He stated that there must be an immediate cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of all Rwanda Defence Forces from Congolese territory, or Britain would take action.
This would involve ending high-level attendance at events hosted by the government of Rwanda and limiting trade promotion activity with Rwanda.
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At the same time UK stated that it will pause direct bilateral financial aid to the Government of Rwanda, excluding support to the poorest and most vulnerable.
The statement added that UK would also coordinate with partners on potential new sanctions, suspend future defence training assistance to Rwanda and review export licences for the Rwanda Defence Force.
“Rwanda may have security concerns, but it is unacceptable to resolve these militarily. There can only be a political solution to this conflict. We encourage DRC to engage with M23 as part of an inclusive dialogue,” the statement read further.
“We will continue to keep our policy under review.”
The Foreign Secretary urged Tshisekedi and Kagame to engage meaningfully and in good faith with African led peace processes to find a lasting political solution.
“They must honour all commitments made at the Joint EAC-SADC Summit on 8 February. The UK will continue to discuss with African and other partners what more it can do to support these efforts,” David Lammy added.
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The humanitarian situation in eastern DRC remains critical, with nearly a million people recently displaced and hundreds of thousands in urgent need of lifesaving aid.
The UK emphasized that there is a responsibility of all parties to protect civilians who have endured immense suffering due to the ongoing conflict.
It reiterated that there would be a strong response from the international community in response to the escalating conflict.
“In recent weeks, the UK has coordinated closely with international partners, including those from the G7 and the International Contact Group on the Great Lakes, on that response,” the statement noted.
“We have also used every appropriate opportunity at the United Nations Security Council and the Human Rights Council to call for a resolution to the conflict in Eastern DRC.”
However, since the conflict begun, President Kagame has repeatedly denied any involvement in supporting the M23 rebels, who are well equipped, well-armed and well trained.
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