The UK government has announced that it will no longer attend events hosted by the Rwandan government and will suspend aid to Rwanda due to the support provided by Kigali-backed rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This decision comes as a response to the advances made by the M23 rebel group, which has occupied the cities of Goma and Bukavu, as well as other regions in eastern DRC.

The British government also warned that it may impose sanctions on Rwanda, which is supporting the M23 rebel group. The government department responsible for foreign affairs stated that it will limit engagement with Rwanda’s government over its involvement in the rebel offensive.

The UK has called 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 Rwandan Defense Forces from Congolese territory. In addition, export licenses for the Rwanda Defense Force are under review, and training for its soldiers has been suspended, according to the FCDO.

The statement further mentioned that the UK may coordinate with partners on potential new sanctions designations. It emphasized that addressing Rwanda’s security concerns Through military means is not acceptable and that the conflict can only be resolved through political dialogue. The UK will keep its policy under review.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/25/uk-suspends-aid-to-rwanda-over-alleged-support-for-drc-rebels