Britain is preparing to implement sanctions against Rwanda due to its alleged involvement in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Ray Collins, a junior minister in the UK Foreign Office, informed Reuters that the UK will take decisive action in the near future.
This decision comes amid escalating international pressure following claims that Rwanda is supporting the M23 rebel group, which has captured significant territories in eastern Congo, including the cities of Goma and Bukavu, along with valuable mineral resources.
Rwanda has refuted these allegations, asserting that its military operations are defensive measures against hostile factions operating from Congo. Recently, the U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on James Kabarebe, a senior Rwandan official accused of collaborating with the M23 group, a move that Rwanda has labeled as unwarranted.
The UK has expressed its concerns clearly, with Ambassador James Kariuki stating at the UN Security Council that Rwanda’s actions, particularly the occupation of Bukavu, infringe upon Congo’s sovereignty and pose a threat to regional stability.
