By Timothy Nsubuga

16^th July 2012:

Members of the British parliament, the House of Commons, have called on their government to suspended British aid to Rwanda over spiraling allegations that Rwanda is supporting the M23 rebels led by General Bosco Ntaganda who are fighting to overthrow President Joseph Kabila’s government in the Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC].

The Early Day Motion sponsored by Portsmouth South MP Mike Hancock and five other members of parliament, which was tabled in parliament on June 11, said:

“…That this House is gravely concerned by the UN report that the recent rebellion in the Democratic Republic of Congo is being fuelled by recruits and support from neighbouring Rwanda; recalls that in December 2008 Sweden and the Netherlands revoked aid to Rwanda because of its support to militia gangs killing and raping in Congo; acknowledges that without foreign aid Rwanda cannot continue to finance its deadly but highly profitable wars in Congo; supports Save the Congo’s call on the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to unilaterally adopt tough measures against any government, individual or corporation supporting militia gangs in Congo; and urges the Government to fully examine Britain’s military and financial support to Rwanda and report to the House on this matter on the earliest possible occasion.”

When Uganda Correspondent last checked, a total of 33 British members of parliament had signed the EDM calling for a re-examination and perhaps even termination of some British aid to Rwanda.

Rwanda has flatly denied supporting the M23 rebels.  In twitter message last week, for example, Rwandan President Gen. Paul Kagame said the Congo crisis had “…created a black hole in which all truth disappears.” END.  Login to www.ugandacorrespondent.com every Monday to read our top stories mid-week for our updates

Follow us: Twitter: @UGCorrespondent

Follow us: Facebook: Uganda Correspondent