Germany 🇩🇪 has announced the cancellation of a scheduled meeting with Rwandan 🇷🇼 officials next month, citing Rwanda’s involvement in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The clashes, driven by a rapid offensive from the M23 armed group and reportedly supported by Rwandan forces, have intensified around Goma, leading to a deepening humanitarian crisis.

A spokesperson for Germany’s development ministry stated on Tuesday, “The government consultations planned for February with Rwanda have been cancelled.” The ministry emphasized that discussions on development cooperation would only resume if Rwanda and the M23 end their offensive and withdraw.

The German foreign ministry reinforced this stance on X (formerly Twitter), describing the offensive as a “flagrant violation of international law” and a significant obstacle to peace efforts in the region.

Germany, currently chairing the International Contact Group for the Great Lakes which includes the EU, France, the UK, and the United States has been vocal in its condemnation of the situation.