The Rwandan government has condemned the United Kingdom’s decision to impose sanctions in response to Kigali’s alleged involvement in the ongoing conflict in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Rwanda is accused of supporting the M23 rebel group, which has seized large parts of eastern DRC, including the cities of Goma and Bukavu, along with valuable mineral resources.
On Tuesday, February 25, the UK announced it would pause some of its bilateral aid to Rwanda and impose diplomatic sanctions on the country.
In a statement, Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation expressed disappointment, saying it was regrettable that the UK had “clearly chosen a side.”
The ministry argued that it was “unreasonable” to expect Rwanda to compromise its national security and the safety of its people.
Rwanda asserted that these measures would not help resolve the situation in the DRC or contribute to a lasting political solution to the conflict in eastern DRC.
Rwanda denies supporting the M23 group and claims its troops are simply defending against hostile groups based in the DRC.
Below is the full statement from Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in response to the UK’s actions:
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The punitive measures announced today by the UK Government in response to the conflict in eastern DRC – where the UK has now clearly chosen a side – are regrettable.
It is unreasonable to expect Rwanda to compromise its national security and the safety of Rwandans.
The measures do nothing to help the Democratic Republic of Congo, nor do they contribute to achieving a sustainable political solution to the conflict in eastern DRC.
The Government of the DRC has a lot more to answer for than any other party within the DRC itself and in the region but gets away with all manner of violations for reasons that are obvious to all.
Consistently not holding the Government of the DRC accountable for repeated attacks on its own citizens, including the ongoing indiscriminate bombing of Banyamulenge villages in South Kivu, encourages the DRC to double down on a military path, prolonging the conflict and the suffering of civilians.
Rwanda will continue to insist on security guarantees, which the DRC and the international community have so far been unwilling or unable to provide.
This perpetual situation of instability seems to benefit, directly or indirectly, a number of those associated with the conflict.
Rwanda is fully committed to working with partner states on the ongoing African-led mediation process and calls on the international community to support this effort, which is the only credible pathway to a negotiated solution.
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Pindula News

The Rwanda government is upset with the UK for imposing sanctions because Rwanda is accused of helping rebels in Congo. The UK stopped giving money to Rwanda and put diplomatic pressure on them. Rwanda says it's not fair to expect them to risk their safety for Congo. They say the sanctions won't help Congo. Rwanda denies supporting the rebels and says they are just defending themselves. They want the DRC government to be held accountable for attacks on their citizens. Rwanda wants security guarantees and a peaceful solution to the conflict in Congo.

Rwanda Criticises UK Decision To Impose Sanctions, Defends Its Actions In DRC Conflict

The United Kingdom announced on Tuesday that it would pause some of its bilateral aid to Rwanda and impose sanctions in response to Rwanda’s involvement in the ongoing conflict in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Rwanda is accused of supporting the M23 rebel group, which has captured large areas of eastern DR Congo, including the cities of Goma and Bukavu, as well as valuable mineral resources.
While Kigali denies supporting the group, it claims that its troops are defending against hostile groups based in the DRC.
The British government said that it would take action until significant progress was made in ending the conflict and withdrawing all Rwandan troops from Congolese territory.
The measures include ending high-level attendance at Rwandan government events, limiting trade promotion with Rwanda, and pausing direct financial aid to Rwanda, except for support for the poorest and most vulnerable, among others.
The UK also said it will coordinate with its partners on potential new sanctions, suspend future defence training for Rwanda, and review export licenses for the Rwanda Defence Force. A UK Government spokesperson said:
<blockquote>
The UK is deeply concerned by the situation in eastern DRC. The Foreign Secretary met with President Tshisekedi in Kinshasa and President Kagame in Kigali on 21 and 22 February.
In his meetings, he was clear that there can be no military solution to the conflict. There must be an immediate cessation of hostilities.
The recent offensives by M23 and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), including the capture of Goma and Bukavu, are an unacceptable violation of DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a breach of the UN Charter.
The Foreign Secretary urged both leaders to engage meaningfully and in good faith with African-led peace processes to find a lasting political solution.
They must honour all commitments made at the Joint EAC-SADC Summit on 8 February. The UK will continue to discuss with African and other partners what more it can do to support these efforts.
The humanitarian situation in eastern DRC is critical. Close to a million people have been recently displaced in eastern DRC and hundreds of thousands are in desperate need of lifesaving support.
There is a responsibility on all parties to protect the people of eastern DRC who have suffered so much in this conflict.
The Foreign Secretary has been clear that there would be a strong response from the international community in response to the escalating conflict.
In recent weeks, the UK has coordinated closely with international partners, including those from the G7 and the International Contact Group on the Great Lakes, on that response.
We have also used every appropriate opportunity at the United Nations Security Council and the Human Rights Council to call for a resolution to the conflict in Eastern DRC.
During the Foreign Secretary’s visit, he announced an additional package of £14.6 million of humanitarian support to help those in Eastern DRC who are suffering most.
The UK calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, humanitarian access, respect for international humanitarian law, meaningful engagement with African-led peace processes, and the withdrawal of all Rwanda Defence Forces from Congolese territory.
Until significant progress is made, the UK will take the following measures:
1. Cease high-level attendance at events hosted by the Government of Rwanda.
2. Limit trade promotion activity with Rwanda.
3. Pause direct bilateral financial aid to the Government of Rwanda, excluding support to the poorest and most vulnerable.
4. Coordinate with partners on potential new sanctions designations.
5. Suspend future defence training assistance to Rwanda.
6. Review export licences for the Rwanda Defence Force.
Rwanda may have security concerns but it is unacceptable to resolve these militarily. There can only be a political solution to this conflict. We encourage DRC to engage with M23 as part of an inclusive dialogue.
We will continue to keep our policy under review.
</blockquote>

The UK is upset with Rwanda for their involvement in the conflict in the Congo. They are stopping aid and imposing sanctions until Rwanda pulls their troops out of Congo. The UK is also stopping high-level meetings with Rwanda, limiting trade with them, and more. The UK wants peace and for the fighting to stop so people in the Congo can be safe. They want leaders to talk and find a peaceful solution. The UK is giving money to help people in the Congo who are suffering because of the conflict. They hope to end the fighting and protect the people in the Congo.

Britain Imposes Sanctions On Rwanda Over DRC Conflict

The UK government has notified its citizens that it is illegal to travel for leisure to Zimbabwe for now. This was contained in the regulations that were posted on the government’s official website that stated that citizens can only travel to Zimbabwe for legal reasons.
Said the UK government in a statement:
Foreign Travel Advice Zimbabwe 
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COVID-19 Travel
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Under current UK COVID-19 restrictions, you must stay at home. You must not travel, including abroad, unless you have a legally permitted reason to do so. It is illegal to travel abroad for holidays and other leisure purposes.
If you intend to travel to the UK from abroad, including UK nationals returning home, you must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result taken up to 3 days before departure. If you do not comply (and you do not have a valid exemption) your airline or carrier may refuse you boarding and/or you may be fined on arrival.
Before you return to the UK you must provide your journey and contact details. You must <a href="https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control">self-isolate</a> when you enter the UK from any foreign country except Ireland, unless you have a valid exemption.
When you enter England from abroad (except Ireland), you must follow the new requirements for quarantining and taking additional COVID-19 tests. For those travelling from a country on the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/transport-measures-to-protect-the-uk-from-variant-strains-of-covid-19">banned travel list</a> you will be required to quarantine in a hotel. Different rules apply for arrivals into <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-quarantine-when-you-arrive-in-england">England</a>, <a href="https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-public-health-checks-at-borders/">Scotland</a>, <a href="https://gov.wales/how-self-isolate-when-you-travel-wales-coronavirus-covid-19">Wales</a> and <a href="https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-international-travel-advice">Northern Ireland</a>.
If you are legally permitted to travel abroad, check our advice on your <a href="https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice">country of destination</a>. Some other countries have closed borders, and may further restrict movement or bring in new rules including testing requirements with little warning.
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Meanwhile, the UK has told its citizens that by the 21st of June they will have lifted most of the COVID-19 regulations imposed in their country.
More: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/zimbabwe">UK Government </a>

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