Britain on Tuesday said it would pause some bilateral aid to Rwanda and impose other diplomatic sanctions on Kigali over its role in the conflict in neighbouring Congo, a move Kigali termed "punitive".

The UK will soon impose sanctions on Rwanda over its alleged support for the M23 rebel group, which has seized territory in eastern Congo, including key cities and mineral-rich areas. 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 aid to Rwanda and imposed diplomatic sanctions over its alleged support of the M23 group in Congo's conflict. While Rwanda denies backing the group, the UK demands a withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congo and encourages dialogue as a political solution.

U.K. authorities are punishing Rwanda over its support of the rebels who now control two major cities in eastern Congo