Germany announced on Tuesday that it will suspend new aid to Rwanda in response to an ongoing offensive by the M23 rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which United Nations experts claim is backed by Rwandan troops.
In a statement, Germany’s development ministry confirmed that it would restrict bilateral cooperation with Rwanda and review existing development programs.
“Germany will further restrict bilateral cooperation with Rwanda,” the ministry said. “In particular, we will suspend new financial commitments and review existing development cooperation with the Rwandan government.”
The ministry strongly condemned the M23 offensive, especially the capture of key cities such as Goma and Bukavu, describing it as “a violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the DRC.”
Germany provides approximately 50 million euros annually in aid to Rwanda, primarily supporting economic development, vaccine production, and climate protection. The suspension of new financial commitments follows similar moves by Britain, which recently halted most direct bilateral aid to Rwanda, and Canada, which imposed sanctions over Rwanda’s alleged involvement in the conflict.
Rising International Pressure on Rwanda
The decision adds to mounting international pressure on Rwanda over its alleged role in fueling instability in the mineral-rich eastern DRC. The M23 group has seized significant territory with limited resistance from Congolese forces, forcing thousands of civilians to flee their homes.
Germany’s decision aligns with calls from other nations, including Canada, urging an end to hostilities and respect for DRC’s sovereignty.
Rwanda Responds to Aid Suspension
Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs swiftly condemned Germany’s decision, calling it a politically motivated move that ignores the complexities of the conflict.
“The politicization of development cooperation by Germany’s caretaker government is wrong and counterproductive,” Rwanda said in an official statement. “Germany contradicts its own claims of supporting the African-led process to resolve the conflict in eastern DRC by letting the DRC off the hook for numerous violations, which only reinforces its belligerent posture and needlessly prolongs the conflict.”
Rwanda further accused Germany of failing to acknowledge the threat posed by the DRC-backed Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a rebel group with ties to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
“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,” the statement continued. “Rwanda will continue to protect its national security while remaining fully engaged in the ongoing regional peace process.”
Ongoing Tensions
Rwanda has repeatedly denied backing M23 rebels, insisting that the conflict in eastern DRC presents an existential security threat. Kigali maintains that it cannot remain passive while instability along its borders continues to escalate.
As international pressure mounts, regional efforts to broker peace remain fragile, with no immediate resolution in sight. The suspension of German aid marks another diplomatic setback for Rwanda as tensions in the region persist.
