JOHANNESBURG (AP) — The Netherlands says it is suspending 5 million euros ($6.1 million) in aid to Rwanda over alleged support of a rebellion in east Congo.
Rwanda's Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo expressed regret Friday at "hasty decisions based on flimsy evidence" by donors suspending or deferring aid. The U.S. last week cut $200,000 in military aid.
Mushikiwabo said she has just "comprehensively rebutted" all allegations to visiting U.N. experts whose report said Rwanda is supporting a Congolese rebellion that has displaced 260,000 people.
Dutch development ministry spokeswoman Saskia Gaster said Friday the country is "reconsidering" its aid program while awaiting Rwanda's response to the allegations.
While the amounts involved are small, the actions are considered a major rebuke of Rwanda, a darling of Western donors dependent on aid for nearly half its budget.
