UK Government Announces Coordinated Efforts on Rwanda Sanctions and Export License Review

The UK government is taking measures due to concerns about the situation in the eastern DRC, including suspending financial aid to Rwanda, reviewing export licenses, and coordinating with partners on potential sanctions. This comes after discussions by Foreign Secretary David Lammy with leaders from DRC and Rwanda, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

The United Kingdom government has expressed significant concern regarding the ongoing situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and is prepared to implement appropriate measures. In a recent press release from the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), it was revealed that the UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, engaged in discussions with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame in February, underscoring the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Foreign Secretary Lammy articulated during these meetings that military solutions are inadequate and called for an immediate halt to hostilities. He emphasized that the recent actions by the M23 rebel group and the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF), particularly their incursions in Goma and Bukavu, constitute serious violations of DRC’s sovereignty and infringe upon the UN Charter.

The UK Foreign Office urged both leaders to participate sincerely in peace processes led by African nations, stressing the importance of honoring commitments made during the Joint East African Community-Southern African Development Community Summit held on February 8. In response to the situation, the UK government has announced it will cease high-level attendance at Rwandan governmental events, limit trade activities, and suspend direct bilateral financial assistance to Rwanda, aside from aid directed towards the most vulnerable populations.

Furthermore, the UK government intends to coordinate with international partners to explore new sanction designations, suspend forthcoming military training assistance for Rwanda, and review all export licenses related to the Rwanda Defence Force until significant progress is observed in the region.

The UK government is committed to working collaboratively with African nations and other stakeholders to seek constructive resolutions to the ongoing turmoil in the DRC, aiming at improving stability and facilitating peace.

In summary, the United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the escalating situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The government is prepared to implement measures such as suspending aid, reviewing export licenses, and coordinating sanctions against Rwanda until tangible progress is achieved. Diplomatic engagement with African leaders remains a priority to support peace processes in the region.

Original Source: www.worldecr.com