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Robert Menendez, Chairman of the US Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, calls for a reconsideration of US aid to Rwanda. In a July 20 letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the Democratic senator expresses concern about Kigali’s human rights record, and its alleged support for the M23 rebellion in the DRC.
With our correspondent in Kigali, Laure Broulard
Repression of freedom of expression and the opposition in Rwanda, harassment and attacks against Rwandan dissidents who have taken refuge abroad. Robert Menendez calls for a full review of US policy towards the government of Paul Kagame, whom he accuses of serious human rights violations.
Washington has been a close ally of Kigali for 28 years, and one of its main donors. In 2021, the United States granted 147 million dollars in aid to Rwanda, and envisage 145 million for 2023, recalls Robert Menendez in his letter. He announced in the wake of his desire to oppose aid of several million dollars intended for Rwandan blue helmets, fearing that support for the Rwandan army, accused of being deployed in the DRC and of supporting the rebellion of the M23 “ does not imply that the United States condones such actions “.
Asked about the letter during a press briefing on Monday, US State Department spokesman Ned Price said his office is closely monitoring rising tensions between Rwanda and the DRC and consults regularly with Congress. about the aid given to Kigali.
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