Rwanda has said international sanctions will reduce the likelihood of peace with M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), after the United Kingdom said it would pause some bilateral aid and impose other diplomatic sanctions on Kigali.

It is unreasonable to expect Rwanda to compromise its national security and the safety of Rwandans, says government

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

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".

The United Nations Security Council condemned Rwanda for backing a rebellion in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and ordered its troops to withdraw from the country.

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.

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