The United Kingdom is preparing to implement sanctions against Rwanda in response to Rwanda’s participation in the continuous conflict in neighboring Congo. Ray Collins, a junior minister at the UK Foreign Office, has confirmed to Reuters that the UK will take action soon.

This decision comes after intensifying international pressure due to allegations that Rwanda is supporting the M23 rebel group, which has taken control of significant parts of eastern Congo, including Goma and Bukavu, along with valuable mineral resources.

Rwanda has dismissed these allegations, claiming its military operations are in self-defense against hostile groups located in Congo. Recently, the U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on James Kabarebe, a senior Rwandan official accused of working with M23, a move Rwanda has deemed unjustified.

The UK has expressed its concerns openly, with Ambassador James Kariuki stating at the UN Security Council that Rwanda’s actions, including the takeover of Bukavu, breach Congo’s sovereignty and increase the risk of a larger regional conflict.