Rwanda expressed strong disapproval on Tuesday regarding Canada’s stance on the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, labeling it as “shameful.” The Rwandan government emphasized that the measures announced by Ottawa against Kigali would not contribute to resolving the ongoing conflict.
On Monday, Canada declared it would halt the issuance of permits for the export of controlled goods and technologies to Rwanda. Additionally, it suspended plans for new government-to-government business and trade missions with Rwanda, as well as support for private-sector business development initiatives.
Canada also indicated it would reassess its participation in international events hosted by Rwanda in the future.
This action follows similar moves by the European Union and the United Kingdom, both of which have announced plans to suspend bilateral aid to Rwanda. The United States has also imposed sanctions on James Kabarebe, a Rwandan state minister for foreign affairs.
The Tutsi-led M23 rebel group made significant advances into eastern Congo, capturing the city of Goma at the end of January and seizing control of valuable mineral-rich territories.
This escalation, which began in late December, represents the most severe intensification of a long-standing conflict that has its roots in the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and the competition for control over Congo’s extensive mineral resources.
Congo, along with U.N. experts and Western nations, has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 group.
Rwanda refutes these claims, asserting that it is acting in self-defense against ethnic Hutu-led militias that threaten Tutsis in Congo and pose a danger to Rwanda itself.
On Monday, Canadian ministers responsible for Foreign Affairs, International Development, and Trade reiterated their accusations against Rwanda while announcing the suspension of various initiatives.
