Germany has halted new financial aid to Rwanda over accusations that it is backing the M23 rebel group in eastern Congo, the country’s development ministry announced on Tuesday.
The ministry stated that, “in consultation with partners,” it will impose tighter restrictions on direct cooperation with Rwanda.
As part of these measures, Germany will reassess existing development agreements with Kigali, withdraw high-ranking officials from Rwandan government events, and push for “an appropriate reaction” concerning international aid programmes.
Before making the decision public, German officials informed Rwanda in advance, stressing the European Union’s position and reiterating demands for Rwanda to withdraw its forces and sever ties with M23.
Germany’s move aligns with similar actions by other nations pressuring Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who has defended his country’s role in securing its border with conflict-hit eastern Congo.
Rwanda recently rejected similar restrictions imposed by the UK, arguing they neither help Congo nor contribute to a lasting political solution to the conflict.
A UN expert report estimates that around 4,000 Rwandan troops are currently deployed alongside M23 fighters in eastern Congo, where the rebels have seized control of North Kivu and South Kivu’s provincial capitals.
M23 remains the most dominant of several armed groups vying for control in eastern Congo, a region rich in untapped mineral wealth vital to the global tech industry.
