International sanctions against Rwanda will reduce the incentive for Kinshasa to engage in peace talks with M23 rebels who have made lightning advances in eastern Congo this year, a proscribed Rwandan minister has said.

Rwanda has said international sanctions will reduce the likelihood of peace with M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), after the United Kingdom said it would pause some bilateral aid and impose other diplomatic sanctions on Kigali.

It is unreasonable to expect Rwanda to compromise its national security and the safety of Rwandans, says government

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

The UK has paused some bilateral aid to Rwanda and imposed diplomatic sanctions over its alleged support for the M23 group in eastern Congo. Rwanda denies backing the rebels and claims self-defense. UK urges DRC to engage in dialogue with M23 and stresses a political solution.

Rwandan state minister for foreign affairs, James Kabarebe, said international sanctions against the country will reduce the incentive for Kinshasa to engage in peace talks with M23 rebels who have made lightning advances in eastern Congo this year.

The UK has announced a temporary halt to some bilateral aid to Rwanda due to its involvement in the Congo conflict. This includes limiting trade and aid, ceasing high-level event attendance, and considering new sanctions while still supporting Rwanda's vulnerable population.

The UK's decision to suspend some aid to Rwanda is "punitive", authorities in the East African country have said. In a statement, the UK said it was against Rwanda's support for the M23, a rebel group that has captured swathes of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in a deadly uprising.