Britain has warned Rwanda that its involvement in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) could jeopardize the more than $1 billion in annual foreign aid it receives. The warning follows the capture of Goma, a city with a population of two million, by M23 rebels, who are believed to be backed by Rwanda. The rebels, who launched their offensive on Monday, ignored calls from the international community for a ceasefire, continuing their advance through the region on Wednesday.
According to the DRC, the United States, and several Western nations, Rwandan forces have provided military support to the M23 group. Rwanda, however, has denied these allegations. Speaking in parliament on Tuesday, British Foreign Minister David Lammy said Rwanda receives significant international aid, including £32 million ($39.80 million) in UK bilateral assistance. However, Lammy warned that this aid is at risk if Rwanda continues to support rebel forces.
“We cannot have countries challenging the territorial integrity of others,” Lammy stated. He added that such actions would not be tolerated anywhere in the world, similar to Europe’s stance on maintaining borders and sovereignty.
