Britain announced on Tuesday that it would pause certain bilateral aid to Rwanda and impose diplomatic sanctions in response to Kigali’s alleged role in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The move comes amid increasing global pressure on Rwanda over accusations that it supports the M23 rebel group, which has seized vast areas of eastern Congo since January.

Rwanda has strongly denied backing M23, maintaining that its troops are acting in self-defense against hostile forces operating from within Congolese territory. In response to the UK’s decision, Rwanda’s foreign ministry criticized the measures as “punitive” and “regrettable,” accusing Britain of taking sides in the conflict.

“The measures do nothing to help the Democratic Republic of Congo, nor do they contribute to achieving a sustainable political solution to the conflict in eastern DRC,” Rwanda’s foreign ministry stated.

The UK government, however, stressed that its actions were aimed at ensuring an end to hostilities and the withdrawal of all Rwandan forces from Congolese territory. The measures include restricting high-level diplomatic engagements with Rwanda, limiting trade promotion activities, and suspending direct financial aid to the Rwandan government, except for programs supporting the most vulnerable populations.

In addition, Britain announced plans to coordinate with international partners on potential new sanctions, suspend future defense training assistance to Rwanda, and review export licenses for the Rwanda Defence Force.

“Rwanda may have security concerns, but it is unacceptable to resolve these militarily. There can only be a political solution to this conflict,” a UK government spokesperson stated.

The British government also called on the Congolese authorities to engage with M23 in an inclusive dialogue while affirming that its policy towards Rwanda would remain under constant review.