Germany suspends new aid to Rwanda, condemning its alleged support for M23 rebels in the DRC, as the militant group seizes key territories, sparking international backlash.

Germany announced on Tuesday that it will suspend new aid to Rwanda in response to an offensive by the M23 group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which United Nations experts have linked to Rwandan soldiers.

Germany's Development Ministry stated in a release that the country will further restrict bilateral cooperation with Rwanda. The statement emphasized that new financial commitments would be suspended and existing development cooperation with the Rwandan government would be reviewed.

The ministry strongly condemned the offensive, highlighting the capture of key cities, Goma and Bukavu, and labeling it as a violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the DRC.

Germany’s development ministry provides approximately 50 million euros ($53 million) in annual aid to Rwanda, supporting economic development, vaccine production, and climate protection initiatives. The M23 offensive has sparked widespread international criticism. Germany’s decision follows Britain’s recent suspension of most direct bilateral aid to Rwanda, as well as sanctions imposed by Canada over Rwanda’s involvement in the conflict. The German government confirmed that Rwanda had been informed in advance about its decision to suspend aid.

The M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, has seized vast areas of the mineral-rich eastern DRC with minimal resistance from Congolese forces. The group now controls large portions of the troubled region, and its swift advance has forced thousands of civilians to flee their homes.