The United Kingdom has announced a series of sanctions against Rwanda in response to the escalating conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The sanctions, which include halting high-level attendance at events hosted by the Rwandan government and limiting trade promotion activities, follow the recent intensification of hostilities in DR Congo’s eastern region.
According to a statement from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the UK will also pause direct bilateral financial aid to Rwanda, with the exception of support for the most vulnerable communities.
The British government has pledged to coordinate with international partners on potential new sanctions designations and will suspend future defence training assistance to Rwanda.
Additionally, export licenses for the Rwanda Defence Force are under review.
The sanctions come after a meeting between UK Foreign Secretary and Presidents Félix Tshisekedi of DR Congo and Paul Kagame of Rwanda, where the UK reiterated its position that there is no military solution to the conflict.
“The recent offensives by M23 and the RDF, including the capture of Goma and Bukavu, are an unacceptable violation of DRC’s sovereignty,” the UK Foreign Secretary said.
Rwanda has consistently denied direct involvement in the conflict and said it only had to defend itself from aggression posed by its vast neighbours.
The UK acknowledged the latter but maintained its stance on sanctions.
The M23 rebel group has made significant advances in eastern DR Congo in recent months.
The capture of key cities such as Goma and Bukavu has intensified fears of a wider regional conflict and further displacement of civilians.
Despite the ongoing military clashes, international pressure continues to mount for a peaceful resolution.
Regional governments have made efforts to mediate a solution to the crisis. In early February 2025, the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) held a summit in an attempt to bring both parties to the negotiating table.
While some progress was made in urging both DR Congo and Rwanda to engage in dialogue, a lasting agreement has yet to be reached.
President Tshisekedi has avoided direct contact with all African parties attempting to seek a political solution and an instead sought the support of Western governments.
There has been reports that Kinshasa offered the US 50% stake in minerals in its eastern swathes in return for stopping the conflict.
The UK Foreign Secretary emphasized that the region must honour the commitments made during the summit, calling for renewed engagement in African-led peace processes.
The humanitarian situation in eastern DR Congo remains dire, with nearly one million people displaced by the violence.
The UK has committed an additional £14.6 million in humanitarian aid to address the urgent needs of those affected by the conflict.
While Rwanda has expressed concerns over its security in the region, the UK has stressed that military action cannot resolve the crisis.
The sanctions are a part of the international community’s response to the ongoing violence and the failure of both parties to engage in dialogue to find a peaceful resolution.
“We will continue to review our policy and work with our international partners to support efforts for a lasting peace,” the UK Foreign Secretary added.
Last week, Rwanda cut development ties with Belgium just days before the European nation did the same while the US also warned Rwanda of sanctions of the war did not cease.