Rwanda condemned Canada on Tuesday for imposing sanctions over its involvement in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), labelling Ottawa’s actions as shameful. The M23 rebel group, which has made significant territorial gains in the eastern DRC in recent weeks, is reportedly backed by thousands of Rwandan soldiers, according to United Nations experts.
On Monday, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly condemned Rwanda’s military presence in the DRC and its support for the M23 group. In response, Canada announced that it would suspend export permits for “controlled goods and technologies” to Rwanda and would reconsider its participation in international events hosted in Kigali. Joly described Rwanda’s involvement as a violation of the DRC’s sovereignty and the United Nations Charter.
In a statement on Tuesday, Rwanda’s foreign ministry sharply criticised Canada’s stance, asserting that Ottawa’s position on the conflict was “shameful” and that sanctions would not bring about a resolution. “Canada cannot claim to support regional peace efforts while simultaneously blaming Rwanda for all violations,” the statement said.
The Canadian sanctions come after the British government suspended most bilateral aid to Rwanda in February due to the M23 offensive. Rwanda has consistently described these measures as “punitive.” Earlier this month, the United States also imposed sanctions on Rwandan Minister for Regional Integration James Kabarebe, accusing him of playing a central role in supporting the M23 group.
