The Government of Canada has announced economic and political sanctions against Rwanda, accusing its military of supporting the M23 movement group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which it described as a “violation of another country’s sovereignty.”
In a statement, Canadian officials condemned the “serious violence in eastern DRC,” citing allegations of attacks on civilians, refugees, UN and regional forces, as well as “mass killings and abductions.”
As a consequence of “Rwanda’s actions” in eastern Congo, Canada has decided to:
- Suspend the issuance of licenses for exporting technology-related services to Rwanda,
- Halt government-to-government business partnerships and support for Rwanda’s private sector,
- Review Canada’s participation in international events hosted by Rwanda and Rwanda’s bids to host future events.
Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded by rejecting the allegations, calling them “unacceptable defamatory accusations” and stating that Rwanda would seek clarification from the Canadian government.
In its statement, Rwanda argued that Canada cannot claim to support regional peace efforts “while placing all kinds of accusations on Rwanda and failing to hold the DRC government accountable” referring to recent reports of attacks on civilians, particularly targeting the Banyamulenge people in South Kivu.
The statement continued: “Canada’s silence on these extreme human rights violations is unacceptable and shameful,” adding that the sanctions imposed by Canada “will not resolve the conflict.”
Canada’s sanctions on Rwanda follow similar measures by Belgium, the United Kingdom, and the United States, which recently sanctioned Rwandan Minister James Kabarebe.
