The United Kingdom has announced plans to impose sanctions on Rwanda in the near future, due to its alleged involvement in the ongoing conflict in neighbouring Congo. Ray Collins, a junior minister in the UK Foreign Office, responsible for Africa policy, confirmed the sanctions during an interview at a U.N. Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva on February 24. When asked about the timeline for the sanctions, Collins responded: “Soon, indicating that the UK Government would take decisive action in response to the situation”.
Rwanda has come under international scrutiny amid accusations that it is providing support to the M23 rebel group, which has captured large areas of eastern Congo, including the key cities of Goma and Bukavu, as well as valuable mineral deposits. While Kigali denies backing M23, it maintains that its military operations in the region are in self-defence against armed groups operating from within Congo. Despite Rwanda’s denials, global pressure continues to mount, with Western governments, including the United States, taking steps to hold the Rwandan government accountable.
Earlier this week, the U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on James Kabarebe, a close ally of Rwandan President Paul Kagame, accusing him of acting as a liaison between the Rwandan government and M23. Rwanda condemned the U.S. sanctions, calling them unjustified. With the UK set to follow suit with its own sanctions, Rwanda is facing increasing diplomatic and economic isolation over its involvement in the conflict.