Germany has stopped new development aid to Rwanda due to its alleged role in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The German development ministry informed Rwanda of the decision, urging it to withdraw support for the M23 rebel group.
Rwanda’s foreign ministry responded, calling Germany’s action “wrong and counterproductive.” Rwanda denies backing the M23 group, instead claiming it’s defending itself against ethnic Hutu-led militias in Congo.
The conflict in eastern Congo has escalated, with the M23 group capturing significant territory and valuable mineral deposits since January. Germany last pledged aid of 93.6 million euros ($98 million) to Rwanda in October 2022.
This move by Germany adds to the international pressure on Rwanda to stop its alleged support of the M23 group. Rwanda has been a key recipient of German development aid, with Germany being one of the largest donors of development aid to Rwanda.
