KIGALI, Rwanda
Rwanda has faulted Germany’s decision to halt its new development aid, terming it as “politicization’ of its development cooperation.
The Rwandan government said
the move is counterproductive and harmful to regional stability.
In a statement, it stated that
Germany had contradicted its own claims of supporting the African–led process
to resolve the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
(DRC).
Rwanda said this was done by letting DRC off the hook for numerous alleged violations, which only needlessly prolonged 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,” Rwanda said.
The African nation added that
countries like Germany that bear a historical responsibility for the recurring
instability in the region, should know better than to apply one-sided, coercive
measures.
“Rwanda will continue to
protect its national security while remaining fully engaged in the ongoing
regional peace process,” it stated.
On Tuesday, Germany halted the
aid, saying it is reviewing its existing commitments in response to Rwanda’s
role in the conflict in Congo.
"In coordination with
partners, Germany will further restrict bilateral cooperation with
Rwanda," a statement by Germany said.
It stated that Berlin had informed Rwanda in advance, of the move and urged it to withdraw any alleged support for the M23 rebel group, which has made advances in Congo.
“It was also underlined when
communicating the decision that Rwandan security concerns must be taken
seriously and that Germany is also in contact with the Congolese side regarding
these concerns,” the statement read.
According to German
development ministry, the country last pledged aid of 93.6 million euros
($98 million) to Rwanda in October 2022 for the period 2022 to 2024.
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