Germany halts aid to Rwanda due to Congo conflict

Germany said it will stop all new aid to Rwanda due to its role in the ongoing conflict opposing the Kigali-backed M23 rebels to DRC forces,Germany’s development ministry said.

Besides suspending financial assistance,the ministry said it will further restrict bilateral cooperation with Rwanda.

Berlin had informed Rwanda in advance of the move and urged it to withdraw support for the M23 rebel group,which has made advances in eastern Congo,the ministry said.

In response,Rwanda’s foreign ministry said: “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 UN and western powers accuse Rwanda of stoking the conflict in eastern Congo through its support of the Tutsi-led M23 rebels,who have made advances in recent weeks taking the strategic city of Goma.

DRC warned the conflict could spill over to the region and cut ties with Rwanda.