(Ecofin Agency) - The UK maintains vital cooperation with Rwanda across several sectors. According to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the country is set to receive £32.1 million ($40.5 million) in bilateral aid for FY2024-25.

The UK has announced the suspension of its bilateral aid to Rwanda and imposed diplomatic sanctions due to Kigali’s alleged support of the M23 rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This move follows a visit by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy to both the DRC and Rwanda on February 21-22, where he met with Presidents Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame.

In a statement released on February 25, the UK government expressed "deep concern" over the situation in eastern DRC and outlined steps to be taken until significant progress is made, including a halt to hostilities and the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from Congolese territory.

"Rwanda may have security concerns but it is unacceptable to resolve these militarily. There can only be a political solution to this conflict. We encourage DRC to engage with M23 as part of an inclusive dialog. We will continue to keep our policy under review," the official statement read.

The measures announced by the UK include halting participation in events organized by the Rwandan government, limiting commercial promotion activities with the country, coordinating with international partners for potential additional sanctions, suspending future military training assistance to Rwanda, and reassessing export licenses for the Rwandan Defense Forces.

In response, Rwanda called the UK’s punitive measures "regrettable," stating, "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," according to a statement from the Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

LE RWANDA REGRETTE LES MESURES DU ROYAUME-UNI

Les mesures punitives annoncées aujourd'hui par le gouvernement britannique en réponse au conflit dans l'Est de la RDC – où le Royaume-Uni a désormais clairement choisi un camp – sont regrettables. Il est déraisonnable de s'attendre… pic.twitter.com/9T1ghYGzZ3

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Int'l Cooperation (@RwandaMFA) February 25, 2025

This announcement comes amid increasing international criticism of Rwanda’s alleged support for M23, despite Kigali's denials. Tensions have escalated following M23’s recent capture of Bukavu.

On February 24, the European Union's Foreign Affairs Council decided to review the memorandum of understanding on strategic minerals signed with the Rwandan government in February 2024. This agreement aims to promote sustainable and resilient supply chains for critical raw materials, including coltan, essential for sustainable development and the energy transition in the EU.

In response to growing international pressure, Rwanda recently suspended its development cooperation with Belgium, accusing Brussels of conducting an "aggressive campaign" to obstruct Rwanda’s access to funding.

The UK maintains cooperation with Rwanda in key areas like health, education, and trade. According to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the UK’s bilateral aid to Rwanda for the 2024-2025 fiscal year totals £32.1 million.