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.

The UK says it will also suspend future defense training assistance and demands that Kigali withdraw its troops from Congo.

On February 16th soldiers from M 23 marched single-file through the streets of Bukavu, eastern Congo’s second-largest city. The beleaguered remains of the Congolese army had retreated without a fight. Rebel fighters toting grenade-launchers and machine-guns took triumphant selfies in the city’s main square.

DAKAR, Senegal — Rwanda-backed rebels appeared to be heading toward a third major city in eastern Congo, residents said Tuesday, as international pressure rose over the M23's expansion in a mineral-rich region that’s critical for global technology.

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.

Rwanda's foreign minister said his country was not afraid of mounting diplomatic pressure over its role in the advance of M23 rebels through neighbouring DR Congo. The UK is suspending aid to Rwanda over its support for the rebels,