Rwanda Losing Western Favor On Suspicions Of Congo Rebel Aid

By Palash Ghosh | July 27 2012 12:42 PM

The Netherlands has cut aid to Rwanda in retaliation for that country’s alleged support of rebels in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, one day after the United States said it would reduce military assistance to Rwanda.

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The United Nations has accused Rwanda of having lent aid to the M23 rebel movement in the eastern part of DR Congo. After mutinying from the DRC army in April, subsequent fighting between the forces led to the displacement of 200,000 people.

Rwanda has denied that they are helping the Congolese rebels.

Of greater concern is that Rwandan president Paul Kagame appears to be losing favor with western nations. Indeed, the Dutch foreign ministry has warned that unless it receives assurances from the Rwandan government that it is not supporting the rebels, they will confer with other European nations and consider taking similar action against Kigali.