Naharnet

Britain Withholds Aid to Rwanda over Congo Rebels

Britain says it is withholding aid for Rwanda after reports of Rwandan involvement with a rebel group in neighboring Congo.

International Development Secretary Justine Greening said Friday that the government won't release a 21 million-pound ($33.6 million) payment amid concerns Rwanda is backing the M23 militia. Greening says Rwanda is breaching "partnership principles."

Several armed groups are involved in the resurgent conflict in the sub-Saharan African nation of Congo, which has vast mineral wealth. A succession of rebel groups and warlords has sought a piece of the mining action in Congo.

Britain wants to pressure Rwanda to stop the violence in its neighbor. Rwanda has offered support to rebel groups in Congo in the past as a bulwark against other militias of Hutu extremists blamed for Rwanda's 1994 genocide.

Source: Associated Press


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