The UK government said on Tuesday that it was suspending most direct bilateral aid to Rwanda over an offensive by the M23 group in eastern DR Congo that UN experts say is supported by Rwandan soldiers.
"Rwanda may have security concerns but it is unacceptable to resolve these militarily. There can only be a political solution to this conflict," a government spokesperson said, adding that the aid would be suspended "until significant progress" was made in reducing the fighting.
The announcement comes after UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy met last week with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Kigali and Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa.
The Rwanda-backed M23 armed group has seized large swathes of the mineral-rich eastern DRC, including the main cities of Goma and Bukavu, in the face of limited resistance from Congolese forces.
'Strong response'
It now controls large tracts of the troubled region and its rapid advance has sent thousands fleeing.
The UK government spokesperson said Lammy had "been clear that there would be a strong response from the international community in response to the escalating conflict."
"The UK calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, humanitarian access, respect for international humanitarian law, meaningful engagement with African-led peace processes, and the withdrawal of all Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) from Congolese territory," the spokesperson said.
Until "significant progress" is made the UK will also suspend future defence training assistance to Rwanda and consult with partners on "potential new sanctions", the Foreign Office statement added.
Riven by conflict
Export licences for the RDF would also be reviewed.
For more than three decades eastern DR Congo has been riven by conflict and fighting between rival armed groups.
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