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".

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

“The UK calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, humanitarian access, respect for international humanitarian law, meaningful engagement with African-led peace processes, and the withdrawal of all Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) from Congolese territory,” the spokesperson said.

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

Britain is set to impose sanctions on Rwanda in response to the ongoing conflict in neighbouring Congo, according to a UK Foreign Office minister. ・UK is preparing to impose sanctions on Rwanda due to the conflict in Congo.