Germany suspends new financial aid to Rwanda over alleged support for M23 rebels in Congo | AP News
Germany has suspended their financial commitments to Rwanda after their alleged support for the M23 Rebel group affecting the eastern Congo region. Rwanda was notified in advance of this and now is being demanded to withdraw their troops by both Germany and the EU. Germany was not the first to act on this, as they followed sanctions sent from the UK, which Rwanda argues are not contributing to a solution for the conflict. M23 is reported to have about 4,000 troops from Rwanda on their side, and currently controls key cities in the eastern side of the Congo.
This is significant because it is increasing international pressure on the Rwandan president to make a change; however, Rwanda is acting to strengthen itself and using the rebel group because it’s easier than an interstate conflict between the two. Rwanda is one of the stronger states in the region, and gaining access to the key minerals in the Congo could help it grow economically. They are using M23 for this goal instead of conventional warfare because it’s easier for them.
Germany and other western actors could respond by continuing international diplomatic pressure on Rwanda to withdraw its support for M23 through economic tools like more sanctions and other restrictions to bilateral cooperation. Western actors can also help to ensure humanitarian aid throughout the conflict, as it grows to become a significant humanitarian crisis due to the conflict. Rwanda should respond by clarifying its position in response to their alleged support. With the support of moderators from other regional actors, they should participate in peace talks and find a way to deescalate tensions between Rwanda, the DRC, and the M23 rebel group.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a sovereign state that is acting to protect its territorial integrity from the M23 domestic rebel group. As Rwanda has started to support their mission, it has created regional armed conflict where Rwanda is now threatening the DRC’s sovereignty with the use of unconventional warfare, like state sponsored rebel groups. Germany, along with other actors like the UK and the EU, is showing their support for the DRC because Rwanda is going against international law by violating the DRC’s sovereignty. They are now interacting in unconventional ways like economic sanctions.