Ottawa – Canada has suspended trade and business cooperation with Rwanda, accusing Kigali of supporting the M23 rebels and violating the sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The announcement was made in a joint statement by Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly, International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen, and Trade Minister Mary Ng, who condemned Rwanda’s role in the escalating conflict in eastern DRC.
“Canada condemns in the strongest possible terms the March 23 Movement’s (M23) seizure of territory in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), including Goma and Bukavu,” the statement issued on Monday night reads in part.
“We also condemn the presence of the Rwanda Defence Force in the DRC and its support for the M23, which constitute flagrant violations of the DRC’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and of the United Nations Charter.”
Rwanda swiftly rejected Canada’s accusations, calling them defamatory and unacceptable.
In a statement issued from Kigali, the Rwandan government said, “Rwanda takes note of the statement by Global Affairs Canada on the situation in eastern DRC and finds the defamatory attribution to Rwanda of alleged atrocities unacceptable. We will be seeking clarification on this from the Canadian government.”
Canada’s move follows similar punitive actions taken by the UK and US, both of which have called for Rwanda to withdraw its troops from eastern DRC and end its support for M23 rebels.
With international scrutiny intensifying, Rwanda now faces growing diplomatic and economic consequences over its involvement in the DRC conflict, as countries move to penalize those seen as fueling instability in the region.
In response to Rwanda’s actions, Canada has implemented a series of measures, including:
- Suspending the issuance of permits for the export of controlled goods and technologies to Rwanda.
- Halting new government-to-government business initiatives and pausing proactive support for private sector trade development with Rwanda.
- Reviewing Canada’s participation in international events hosted in Rwanda and assessing Rwandan proposals to host future global summits.
Additionally, Global Affairs Canada has summoned the Rwandan High Commissioner to formally convey Canada’s position against Rwanda’s involvement in the DRC conflict.
Atrocities
The Canadian government also condemned widespread human rights abuses in eastern DRC, attributing responsibility to M23 and its backers.
“Canada denounces the widespread atrocities in eastern DRC, including allegations of unlawful attacks on civilians, internally displaced persons, humanitarian actors, and both UN and regional peacekeepers, as well as massacres and kidnappings. We are particularly concerned by reports of conflict-related sexual violence against women and girls,” the statement said.
The ministers reiterated Canada’s support for the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) ongoing investigation into war crimes in eastern DRC, saying justice must be delivered to victims of the conflict.
Canada also announced $15 million in emergency humanitarian aid to assist displaced and vulnerable populations in DRC.
