Kigali (the capital city of Rwanda) has insisted that in order to handle Rwanda’s security issues, communication between the M23 rebels and the Kinshasa government is essential. Western pressure has often been dismissed as “selective.”
“While there may be security issues in Rwanda, using force to address them is unethical. This conflict can only be resolved politically. The UK government said, “We encourage DRC to engage with M23 as part of an inclusive dialogue,” adding that it will keep an eye on the issue.
The European Union (EU) issued a warning on Monday that it will halt defense cooperation agreements with Rwanda and was taking into consideration a motion from the EU Parliament to halt a deal with Rwanda on the value chain of minerals.
Related To This: UK Suspends Aid To Rwanda Over Congo Conflict
Response From Rwadan Government
The Rwandan government has yet to officially respond to the UK’s aid suspension. However, following the UK’s recent recall of Rwanda’s envoy in London, Kigali stated, “The UK should align itself with and support the AU-backed EAC/SADC peace process and avoid emboldening the DRC’s position to seek a military only solution.”
The Rwandan statement further asserted that “The Rwanda Defence Forces has always maintained defensive measures in response to genuine security threats along our border.”
“These threats recently materialised with the January 26 attacks against the Rubavu border town after the fall of Goma, resulting in 16 deaths and 177 civilian casualties in Rwanda.
“Rwanda continues to face an existential security threat from the DRC-backed FDLR genocidal militia, which was involved in the shelling of in Rwandan territory in June 2022, just two weeks before the CHOGM in Kigali.”
The UK’s hardened position signals a growing rift between the two countries, with analysts suggesting that Rwanda risks losing nearly $1 billion in aid from the UK as a result.
Background
About 2 weeks ago, hearings in a case brought by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) against Rwanda, alleging rights breaches of Congolese citizens in the eastern DRC, begun at the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR). According to reports, the DRC wants Rwandan forces to leave the country, accountability for alleged crimes, an end to backing for the M23 rebel organization, and compensation for victims and damages.
Under the direction of Court President Imani Daud Aboud, nine judges presided over the public hearings, which got underway on February 12, 2025. With a team of 17 attorneys, the DRC made its case that, in the midst of the ongoing violence, Rwanda has willfully infringed human rights, especially those of children.
Source: The EastAfrican
