The UK has issued a statement in response to the situation in
Eastern DRC.
A UK Government spokesperson said:
“The UK is deeply concerned by the situation in eastern DRC. The
Foreign Secretary met with President Tshisekedi in Kinshasa and
President Kagame in Kigali on 21 and 22 February.
“In his meetings, he was clear that there can be no military
solution to the conflict. There must be an immediate cessation of
hostilities. The recent offensives by M23 and the Rwanda Defence
Force (RDF), including the capture of Goma and Bukavu, are an
unacceptable violation of DRC's sovereignty and territorial
integrity, and a breach of the UN Charter.
“The Foreign Secretary urged both leaders to engage meaningfully
and in good faith with African led peace processes to find a
lasting political solution. They must honour all commitments made
at the Joint EAC-SADC Summit on 8 February. The UK will continue
to discuss with African and other partners what more it can do to
support these efforts.
“The humanitarian situation in eastern DRC is critical. Close to
a million people have been recently displaced in eastern DRC and
hundreds of thousands are in desperate need of lifesaving
support. There is a responsibility on all parties to protect the
people of eastern DRC who have suffered so much in this conflict.
“The Foreign Secretary has been clear that there would be a
strong response from the international community in response to
the escalating conflict. In recent weeks, the UK has
coordinated closely with international partners, including those
from the G7 and the International Contact Group on the Great
Lakes, on that response. We have also used every appropriate
opportunity at the United Nations Security Council and the Human
Rights Council to call for a resolution to the conflict in
Eastern DRC.
“During the Foreign Secretary's visit, he announced an additional
package of £14.6 million of humanitarian support to help those in
Eastern DRC who are suffering most.
“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 from Congolese territory.
“Until significant progress is made, the UK will take the
following measures:
-
Cease high-level attendance at events hosted by the
Government of Rwanda.
-
Limit trade promotion activity with Rwanda.
-
Pause direct bilateral financial aid to the Government of
Rwanda, excluding support to the poorest and most vulnerable.
-
Coordinate with partners on potential new sanctions
designations.
-
Suspend future defence training assistance to Rwanda.
-
Review export licences for the Rwanda Defence Force.
“Rwanda may have security concerns but it is unacceptable to
resolve these militarily. There can only be a political solution
to this conflict. We encourage DRC to engage with M23 as part of
an inclusive dialogue.
“We will continue to keep our policy under review.”
