UK Halts Aid to Rwanda Over Support for M23 Rebels in Congo
The UK imposes sanctions and pauses financial aid to Rwanda, citing its alleged backing of M23 rebels who have seized major cities in the mineral-rich eastern DRC.
- The UK government has suspended most bilateral aid to Rwanda, excluding support for the poorest, and imposed diplomatic sanctions over Kigali's alleged military support for M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
- M23 rebels, reportedly backed by around 4,000 Rwandan troops, have captured key cities Goma and Bukavu, displacing approximately 500,000 people since January and escalating the humanitarian crisis.
- Rwanda denies allegations of supporting M23 and claims its military presence in the region is for self-defense against hostile Congolese forces and militias.
- The International Criminal Court's prosecutor, Karim Khan, has arrived in the DRC to investigate potential war crimes, while African blocs and former leaders push for a ceasefire and peace talks.
- The conflict has drawn regional and international concerns, with the US also imposing sanctions on Rwandan officials and African nations considering deploying troops to stabilize the region.
Deutsche Welle 
RFI 
The Guardian 
Al Jazeera 
