On March 4, 2025, the German government announced sanctions against Rwanda over its alleged support for the M23 rebels who recently invaded eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Germany decided after the rebels overtook several cities, including Goma and Bukavu.

"We will suspend new financial commitments, review existing development cooperation with the Rwandan government, and suspend high-level participation in development policy events of the Rwandan government," Germany’s Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) stated.

Germany had initially earmarked €93.6 million ($98 million) in funding for Rwanda for the 2022-2024 period, but these funds will no longer be disbursed.

Rwanda called the move "wrong and counterproductive," arguing that such unilateral sanctions undermine regional stability.

The sanctions come amid growing calls from Western nations for Rwanda to stop supporting the M3 rebels. However, Rwandan leader Paul Kagame keeps claiming that his troops are merely there to secure borders.

This article was initially published in French by Boaz Kabeya (intern)

Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho