Germany to Realign Development Aid to Rwanda Amid Congo Conflict
Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development announced on Tuesday that it will scale back development aid to Rwanda in the Central African nation due to its role in the Congo conflict. In consultation with partners, Germany will restrict bilateral cooperation with Rwanda, the ministry stated.
Specifically, Germany will refrain from taking on new financial commitments, review the existing cooperation with the Rwandan government in the field of development cooperation, suspend high-level participation in development policy events hosted by the Rwandan government and seek a proportionate reaction from other partners in multilateral programs. The Rwandan side was informed of the decision in advance.
During the discussion, the European Union’s well-known expectations of the Rwandan side, particularly the withdrawal of Rwandan troops and the cessation of support for the M23 militia, were reiterated, the ministry said. The ministry also underscored the need for Rwanda’s security concerns to be taken seriously and that Germany is in contact with the Congolese side on this matter.