Germany suspends support from alleged M23 rebels in Congo, suspends new financial aid to Rwanda
Nairobi, Kenya (AP) – Germany’s development ministry said on Tuesday it would suspend new financial commitments to Rwanda for the country’s alleged support for M23 rebels in eastern Congo.
The ministry said on Tuesday that “negotiation with partners” would further restrict bilateral cooperation with Rwanda.
It said it would review existing development cooperation with Kigali, suspend senior participation in development activities organized by the Government of Rwanda and seek “appropriate responses” regarding multilateral plans.
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Germany said Rwanda was informed of the decision in a dialogue, in which the EU’s position and expectations for Rwanda (especially the withdrawal of its troops and ending its support for the M23) were once again stressed.
Germany is the latest country to announce measures aimed at increasing pressure on Rwanda President Paul Kagame.
Rwanda recently said similar restrictive measures proposed by the UK did not contribute to “help (Congo) nor to achieve a sustainable political solution to the conflict in the East (Congo).
According to a report by UN experts, about 4,000 Rwandan troops are fighting with M23 rebels in eastern Congo, which now control the capitals of the northern Kywa provinces.
The M23 is the most powerful of many armed groups, competing for a foothold in eastern Congo, which has trillions of dollars in mineral resources and is crucial to global technology.
