Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Chinedu Bruce
UK to Impose Sanctions on Rwanda very very soon
Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, with Keir Starmer
The United Kingdom is set to impose sanctions on Rwanda due to its involvement in the ongoing conflict in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo. A UK Foreign Office minister, Ray Collins, confirmed this to Reuters, stating that the sanctions would be implemented "soon."
Britain has made its stance clear to Rwanda and is preparing to take action, Collins emphasized during a U.N. Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva. The move comes as global pressure mounts on Rwanda over accusations that it supports the M23 rebel group, which has seized key areas in eastern Congo, including Goma and Bukavu, as well as valuable mineral-rich territories.
In a related development, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution on February 21, 2025, demanding that Rwanda cease its support for M23 and withdraw all troops from Congolese territory without preconditions. The resolution also calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities by M23 and urges both the DRC and Rwanda to engage in diplomatic talks to achieve a lasting peaceful resolution
The UK's decision to impose sanctions aligns with actions taken by other nations. Notably, the United States recently sanctioned James Kabarebe, a prominent ally of Rwandan President Paul Kagame, accusing him of serving as a liaison between the Rwandan government and M23. Rwanda dismissed these sanctions as unjustified.
The UK's forthcoming sanctions, coupled with the UN's firm stance, reflect a growing international consensus that Rwanda must be held accountable for its role in the conflict. However, questions remain about the effectiveness of these measures in compelling Rwanda to change its course and the potential repercussions for the already volatile Great Lakes region.
