The UK's decision to suspend some aid to Rwanda is "punitive", authorities in the East African country have said. In a statement, the UK said it was against Rwanda's support for the M23, a rebel group that has captured swathes of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in a deadly uprising.

Britain on Tuesday said it would pause some bilateral aid to Rwanda and impose other diplomatic sanctions on Kigali over its role in the conflict in neighbouring Congo, a move Kigali termed "punitive".

Rwanda is facing mounting pressure over its role in the DRC conflict, with the UK announcing fresh aid restrictions and limitations on bilateral relations. ・UK announces aid restrictions and limitations on bilateral relations with Rwanda over DRC conflict ・Rwanda faces scrutiny for alleged support of M23 rebel group in eastern DRC ・Calls for

U.K. authorities are punishing Rwanda over its support of the rebels who now control two major cities in eastern Congo

Rwandan state minister for foreign affairs, James Kabarebe, said international sanctions against the country will reduce the incentive for Kinshasa to engage in peace talks with M23 rebels who have made lightning advances in eastern Congo this year.