The Rwandan government expressed regret over Germany’s decision to suspend new development aid, saying the move was “wrong and counterproductive”.
On Tuesday, Germany’s development ministry said it had suspended development aid to Rwanda and was reviewing its existing commitments with Rwanda over Kigali’s alleged support of M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s eastern region.
In a statement, Rwanda’s foreign affairs ministry said Germany’s failure to sanction the Democratic Republic of Congo for “numerous violations” only served to prolong the conflict.
“For a country which prides itself on taking seriously the warning signs of ethnic extremism, Germany shows an utter lack of courage by ignoring the threat posed by DRC-backed FDLR genocidal militias to Rwanda, as well as to Congolese Tutsi communities in eastern DRC,” the statement read in part.
The ministry also accused Germany of contradicting its claims of supporting an African-led process to resolve the conflict.
“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 ministry added that Rwanda will continue to protect its national security while remaining fully engaged in the ongoing regional peace process.
