Johannesburg, South Africa – UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has strongly condemned Rwanda’s military operations in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), calling them a “blatant breach of the UN Charter” and warning of potential consequences.
His remarks came during the G20 Foreign Ministerial Meeting in South Africa on February 20, 2025, where he addressed global geopolitical challenges.
Lammy’s intervention specifically highlighted the escalating tensions in the Great Lakes region, warning that continued Rwandan incursions into DRC territory could further destabilise the region.
“And that’s why I’ve called out the Rwandan Defence Force operations in the eastern DRC as a blatant breach of the UN Charter which risks spiralling into a regional conflict, and that’s why I will again make clear to President Kagame, that further breaches of DRC’s sovereignty will have consequences,” Lammy stated, emphasising the need for international law to guide diplomatic resolutions.
His comments come amid renewed fighting in eastern DRC, where the M23 rebel group, widely believed to be backed by Rwanda, has intensified its offensive against Congolese government forces.
The UK’s firm stance signals growing international pressure on Kigali to withdraw its military presence from Congolese territory.
The UK’s position aligns with previous statements from the United Nations, the European Union, and the United States, which have all called for Rwanda to cease its interference in the DRC.
As the conflict escalates, concerns over a potential regional war loom, with calls for urgent diplomatic engagement to prevent further instability.
Lammy reiterated the UK’s commitment to supporting regional peace efforts and upholding international norms, urging all parties to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC.
“Because at the heart of my government’s approach to foreign policy lies the belief that regional and geopolitical stability can only be delivered through respect for international law and the principles of the UN Charter,” he stated.