The European Parliament has urged the European Union (EU) to freeze direct budget support for Rwanda until it cuts ties with Tutsi-led M23 rebels and allows humanitarian access to areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo where the rebels have advanced.
Reports indicate that the aid halt if enforced, could significantly impact Rwanda’s economy, which relies on external aid to support key sectors like healthcare and education.
Parliament also called for the suspension of a memorandum of understanding between Rwanda and the EU, which aims to support Rwanda’s supply of strategic minerals, until Rwanda ceases interference in Congo. This suspension could further strain Rwanda’s economic partnerships and undermine its role in the regional mining sector.
Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
In a statement, the European Parliament condemned Rwanda’s alleged support for the rebels. “MEPs strongly condemn the occupation of Goma and other territories in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by M23 rebels and the Rwandan defence forces as an (unacceptable) breach of the DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the statement read.