The UK government will pause direct financial aid to Rwanda. This action follows the M23 takeover of key mining areas in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The UK will also work with partners on potential new sanctions.
The UK is imposing diplomatic sanctions on Rwanda. This responds to alleged support for the M23 militant group. M23 has controlled multiple cities and mining areas in DRC since late January.
Details of UK Measures
Sanctions include pausing direct financial aid to Rwanda’s government. Aid supporting the poorest is excepted. The UK will also review export licenses for the Rwanda Defence Force. Defence training assistance is suspended. The government stated it will work with partners on further sanctions.
The UK also demanded withdrawal of all Rwanda Defence Forces from Congolese territory. Sanctions will remain until significant progress occurs. UN experts reported 3,000-4,000 Rwandan troops in DRC by December.
Rwanda denies supporting the M23 group. The government called the UK’s measures punitive and regrettable.
International response is slowly building. US Treasury sanctioned Rwanda’s minister James Kabarebe. The Treasury alleges he liaises with M23. It also claims he coordinated export of DRC minerals as Rwandan products.
The European Parliament has urged action. It asked the European Commission and Council to suspend a raw material supply chain agreement. This agreement was signed with Rwanda in February 2024.
M23 Control and Mineral Impact
M23 seized control of DRC cities Goma and Bukavu in January and February. This gave them greater control over key tantalum, tungsten, and tin (3T) mine sites. Trade routes also came under their control. M23 has controlled the major Rubaya tantalum mine in North Kivu since early 2024. SuperMetalPrice monitors mineral supply chain impacts.
DRC leads tantalite production in the African Great Lakes region. Data from the International Tin Supply Chain Initiative confirms this. DRC produced over 34,000 tonnes of tantalite and mixed 3T material from 2018-2023. Rwanda produced around 24,000 tonnes during the same period. Burundi produced approximately 2,000 tonnes. Most DRC tantalite sites are in M23-controlled areas of North and South Kivu. Some supply comes from areas outside M23 control.
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