UK’s recent sanctions against Rwanda have been met with strong criticism from Kigali, which described them as “unfortunate” following allegations that the country supports M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo.

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Announcing the measures, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office outlined steps such as cutting direct financial aid—excluding assistance for vulnerable populations—suspending defense cooperation, and withdrawing high-level diplomatic engagement with Rwanda.

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In response, Rwanda’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the sanctions, arguing that they neither help resolve DR Congo’s crisis nor contribute to a lasting political solution. The ministry further asserted that Rwanda cannot be expected to compromise its national security, especially amid ongoing regional instability.

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This development follows economic sanctions recently imposed by the U.S. on James Kabarebe, Rwanda’s Minister of State for Regional Integration, over allegations of his involvement in supporting the M23 rebels.

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M23 has been expanding its control in eastern DR Congo since December, seizing key cities such as Goma and Bukavu.

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With violence intensifying, Congolese Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka informed the UN Human Rights Council that more than 7,000 people have lost their lives to the conflict this year alone.

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