LONDON - Britain accused Rwanda on Monday of helping rebels take over Goma, eastern Congo's largest city.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy told Parliament that Rwanda's army gave crucial support to M23 rebels who captured Goma last week. Rwanda denies backing the rebels.
"M23 could not have taken Goma without help from Rwanda's military," Lammy said. The United States, Belgium, Germany, Russia, China, and Japan have made similar claims.
The fighting forced 400,000 people from their homes, UN reports show. Many fled to nearby cities and refugee camps.
Lammy announced £62 million in British aid for Congo. The money will provide clean water, feed hungry children, and help victims of sexual violence.
He criticized world leaders for ignoring African conflicts. "There should be no hierarchy of conflicts," he said. "Every human life matters equally."
The UK warned its citizens not to visit Rwanda's Rubavu district near Goma. British officials spoke with leaders from Rwanda, South Africa, and Angola about ending the crisis.
Several UN peacekeepers from South Africa, Malawi, and Uruguay died in recent battles between rebels and Congo's army.
Lammy urged Rwanda to stop supporting M23. He called for peace talks through African-led programs like the Luanda and Nairobi initiatives.
"We must find a way to stop the killing," Lammy said. Britain's strong words may pressure Rwanda to change course in Congo.
The rebel advance brought fresh violence to eastern Congo. Reports tell of attacks on women and children by armed groups using machetes.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy told Parliament that Rwanda's army gave crucial support to M23 rebels who captured Goma last week. Rwanda denies backing the rebels.
"M23 could not have taken Goma without help from Rwanda's military," Lammy said. The United States, Belgium, Germany, Russia, China, and Japan have made similar claims.
The fighting forced 400,000 people from their homes, UN reports show. Many fled to nearby cities and refugee camps.
Lammy announced £62 million in British aid for Congo. The money will provide clean water, feed hungry children, and help victims of sexual violence.
He criticized world leaders for ignoring African conflicts. "There should be no hierarchy of conflicts," he said. "Every human life matters equally."
The UK warned its citizens not to visit Rwanda's Rubavu district near Goma. British officials spoke with leaders from Rwanda, South Africa, and Angola about ending the crisis.
Several UN peacekeepers from South Africa, Malawi, and Uruguay died in recent battles between rebels and Congo's army.
Lammy urged Rwanda to stop supporting M23. He called for peace talks through African-led programs like the Luanda and Nairobi initiatives.
"We must find a way to stop the killing," Lammy said. Britain's strong words may pressure Rwanda to change course in Congo.
The rebel advance brought fresh violence to eastern Congo. Reports tell of attacks on women and children by armed groups using machetes.
