U.K. authorities said Tuesday that they were punishing Rwanda over its alleged support of the rebels who now control two major cities in eastern Congo. The measures include pausing direct financial aid that doesn't include support to the poorest Rwandans.

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".

It said it would also suspend future defence training assistance and demanded that Kigali withdraw troops from Congo.

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

Britain will introduce sanctions soon against Rwanda over fighting in neighbouring Congo, a minister in the UK Foreign Office told Reuters on Monday.

On February 16th soldiers from M 23 marched single-file through the streets of Bukavu, eastern Congo’s second-largest city. The beleaguered remains of the Congolese army had retreated without a fight. Rebel fighters toting grenade-launchers and machine-guns took triumphant selfies in the city’s main square.

DAKAR, Senegal — Rwanda-backed rebels appeared to be heading toward a third major city in eastern Congo, residents said Tuesday, as international pressure rose over the M23's expansion in a mineral-rich region that’s critical for global technology.

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