Staff Reporter
A fresh diplomatic row appears to be unfolding between Rwanda and the United Kingdom following the UK government’s announcement of punitive measures against Kigali in response to the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has labeled the UK’s move as a misguided approach that risks exacerbating regional instability.
In an official statement released on 25 February 2025, the Rwandan government criticized the British decision, arguing it “does nothing to help the Democratic Republic of Congo, nor does it contribute to achieving a sustainable political solution to the conflict in eastern DRC.”
Stressing Kigali’s security concerns, the statement added, “It is unreasonable to expect Rwanda to compromise its national security and the safety of Rwandans.”
The sanctions reportedly target senior Rwandan officials and certain economic interests in an effort to deter what the UK alleges is Kigali’s interference in DRC’s internal affairs.
Rwanda, however, insists it is merely protecting its borders and citizens in the face of repeated cross-border attacks.
The statement further accused the DRC government of launching “unending indiscriminate bombing of Rwandan villages in South Kivu,” suggesting that international bodies have turned a blind eye to Kinshasa’s actions.
The Rwanda Foreign Ministry added that the sanctions imposed by the British may further complicate an already delicate regional dynamic.
“This perpetual situation of instability seems to benefit, directly or indirectly, some parties and prolongs the conflict,” the Rwandan statement reads.
Political analysts in the region warn that this diplomatic standoff could have wide-reaching consequences for African countries already dealing with external pressures.
Speaking to this publication yesterday, Calvin Chitsunge, a Harare i-based political commentator, argued that “despite the allegations against Rwanda, sanctions are often wielded as instruments of global power politics, rather than tools for genuine conflict resolution.”
He pointed to Zimbabwe’s longstanding sanctions—also imposed by Western nations—as an example of how such measures can create protracted economic struggles and deepen political tensions without necessarily resolving the underlying issues.
Chitsunge further noted that the Rwandan government has signaled willingness to cooperate with international partners to address the crisis in the DRC through African-led mediation efforts.
As the UK stands by its decision, the diplomatic fallout between the two countries highlights the complex interplay of security concerns, allegations of interference, and broader questions about the efficacy of sanctions as a tool for international engagement.
