By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Rwanda has strongly rejected Germany’s sanctions, calling them politically motivated and unfair. Germany, along with the UK and Canada, imposed the sanctions over allegations that Rwanda is supporting the M23 rebels in eastern Congo.
Germany’s Foreign Office stated, “Rwandan troops are still operating in eastern Congo and supporting the M23 rebel group,” prompting a halt in new financial commitments and a review of bilateral development cooperation.
In response, Rwanda’s Foreign Ministry expressed regret, saying, “The politicisation of development cooperation by Germany’s caretaker government is wrong and counterproductive.”
They further emphasized that the sanctions were detrimental to peace efforts, stating, “Countries like Germany that bear a historical responsibility for the recurring instability in this region should know better than to apply one-sided, coercive measures.”
Rwanda denied the accusations, asserting, “We regret the decision and reaffirm our commitment to regional stability and peace.”
