The UK announced a pause on some aid and the imposition of diplomatic sanctions on Rwanda, citing Rwanda's involvement in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The outlined measures include halting high-level event attendance, limiting trade promotion, and pausing direct aid (except for vulnerable populations) until Rwandan forces withdraw from the DRC and hostilities cease.
Further actions under consideration include new sanctions, suspension of defense training, and review of export licenses for the Rwandan military. The UK stressed that military solutions are unacceptable, requiring a political resolution.
Rwanda's foreign ministry criticized the "punitive measures," claiming that the UK has "clearly chosen a side" in the DRC conflict and that the actions will "do nothing to help" the DRC achieve a "sustainable political solution."
Although Rwanda denies military support for the M23 group, the DRC accuses Rwanda of violating its sovereignty and territorial integrity by sending troops to support armed groups. In turn, Rwanda alleges that the DRC supports the FDLR, a group associated with the 1994 Rwandan genocide.