Berlin to suspend new aid to Rwanda over DR Congo conflict
Africa
By
AFP
| Mar 04, 2025
Germany said on Tuesday that it will suspend new aid to Rwanda over an offensive by the M23 group in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo that UN experts say is supported by Rwandan soldiers.
"Germany will further restrict bilateral cooperation with Rwanda," the development ministry said in a statement.
"In particular, we will suspend new financial commitments (and) review existing development cooperation with the Rwandan government."
The ministry said it "strongly condemns" the offensive, in particular the capture of the main cities of Goma and Bukavu, which it labelled "a violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of" the DRC.
German development ministry aid to Rwanda averages around 50 million euros ($53 million) a year, in areas such as economic development, production of vaccines and climate protection.
READ MORE
As turmoil continues in DRC, Tshisekedi 'ready' to sit down with Kagame
DR Congo offers bounty for arrest of M23 leaders
M23 fighters abduct 130 patients in east DR Congo: UN
At least 11 dead in DRC after blasts at M23 rally, rebels say
UN authorises evacuation of staff families from Burundi
DR Congo accuses Rwandan army of supporting rebel attacks against its military bases
Two explosions at M23 meeting in east DR Congo city: AFP reporters
Elevating employee experience key to unlock organisational success
Wounded South African soldiers return home from DR Congo
Joseph Kabila hits out at Tshisekedi over DR Congo conflict, turmoil
The offensive by the M23 has drawn widespread international condemnation.
The German move comes after Britain recently suspended most direct bilateral aid to Rwanda and Canada imposed sanctions on the country over the conflict.
Rwanda was informed in advance about the German decision, the ministry said.
The Rwanda-backed M23 armed group has seized large swathes of the mineral-rich eastern DRC, in the face of limited resistance from Congolese forces.
It now controls large tracts of the troubled region and its rapid advance has sent thousands fleeing.