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Germany announced sanctions against Rwanda on Tuesday due to the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), prompting a strong response from Kigali. Rwanda accused Germany of politicising development aid following the announcement of sanctions related to the situation in eastern DRC.
Earlier on Tuesday, Germany joined the US and UK in imposing sanctions against Rwanda, citing the presence of Rwandan troops in eastern Congo supporting the M23 rebel group, which they claim violates Congo’s sovereignty. As a result, Germany’s Federal Economic Cooperation Ministry has suspended new financial commitments and is reassessing its bilateral development cooperation with Rwanda.
In response, Rwanda expressed regret over Germany’s politicisation of development cooperation, arguing that it undermines African-led peace initiatives in eastern Congo. The Rwandan Foreign Ministry criticized Germany’s caretaker government for its “wrong and counterproductive” approach, suggesting that countries with historical ties to the region should refrain from one-sided measures.
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The M23 rebel group has expanded its control in eastern Congo since December, capturing the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu. Both Congo and the UN accuse Rwanda of supporting this group, a claim Rwanda denies. The UN Refugee Agency reports that nearly 80,000 people have fled the conflict in eastern Congo to neighboring countries, including about 61,000 who have sought refuge in Burundi since January.
