The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda signed a "declaration of principles" on Friday for an agreement aimed at promoting peace and economic development in the Great Lakes region, while putting an end to the conflict ravaging eastern DRC.

The European Council imposed restrictive measures on nine individuals and one entity responsible for acts that constitute serious human rights violations and abuses in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC and exploiting the armed conflict through the illicit exploitation or trade of natural resources.

As a result of Rwanda’s actions in the eastern DRC, the Government of Canada has made the decision to suspend the issuance of permits for the export of controlled goods and technologies to Rwanda, and suspend new government-to-government business pursuits with Rwanda, as well as proactive support to private-sector business development activities, including trade missions.

The UK calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, humanitarian access, respect for international humanitarian law, meaningful engagement with African-led peace processes, and the withdrawal of all Rwanda Defence Forces from Congolese territory.

The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, announced on Monday the suspension of defence consultations with Kigali due to the involvement of Rwandan troops alongside the M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo.