In response to the sanctions, which include the suspension of export licenses, Rwanda argued that such measures would not contribute to resolving the conflict in eastern DRC.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs dismissed the accusations, stating that the government would seek further clarification on what it described as the “defamatory” attribution of atrocities in the DRC to Rwanda.
This decision follows growing international calls for de-escalation as the M23 rebel group continues its offensive into Congolese territory.
This was disclosed via a statement from the Canadian Ministries of Foreign Affairs, International Development and Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development.
What Canada said
Ministers Mélanie Joly, Ahmed Hussen, and Mary Ng announced the suspension of permits for the export of controlled goods and technology to Rwanda.
Additionally, Canada has halted government-to-government agreements and withdrawn support for private sector business engagements with the East African nation.
The new directives have also put under review Canada’s participation in international events hosted in Rwanda, as well as Rwanda’s proposal to host any such events in the country.
The statement from the Canadian government said that as a result of Rwanda’s actions in eastern DRC, the government of Canada has decided to suspend the issuance of permits for the export of controlled goods and technologies to Rwanda.
Additionally, it will suspend new government-to-government business pursuits with Rwanda, as well as proactive support for private-sector business development activities, including trade missions.
The statement added that Canada will review its participation in international events hosted in Rwanda and assess future proposals from Rwanda to host events.
Rwanda responds
Rwanda has strongly condemned Canada’s recent sanctions, with its Minister of Foreign Affairs calling Canada’s stance on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) conflict “defamatory.”
In response to Canada’s suspension of export licenses and financial cooperation, Rwanda dismissed the measures as ineffective in resolving the crisis.
In an official statement, Rwanda accused Canada of making defamatory claims by attributing alleged atrocities in eastern DRC to Kigali.
“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.” the statement noted.
The statement reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to regional diplomatic efforts, emphasizing that it would continue to engage in the African-led mediation process while safeguarding its national security.
Rwanda’s increasing sanctions
As the situation in eastern DRC continues to deteriorate, international pressure on Rwandan President Paul Kagame is intensifying.
While Rwanda has repeatedly denied supporting the M23 rebel group, the latest round of sanctions indicates a growing consensus among Western nations that stronger measures are necessary to curb Kigali’s alleged involvement.
In addition to Canada, both Germany and the United Kingdom have confirmed the implementation of restrictive measures on financial aid and other agreements with Rwanda in response to the ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The German government, aligning with the European Union and UN Security Council’s Resolution 2773, expressed strong disapproval of Rwanda’s actions, citing violations of DRC’s territorial integrity.
Britain has reinforced its stance by threatening to withdraw over $1 billion in annual aid, citing Kigali’s alleged support for M23.
British Foreign Minister David Lammy condemned the breach of DRC’s sovereignty, emphasizing that such actions cannot be tolerated.
As an immediate response, the UK placed £32 million ($39.8 million) in aid under review.
In addition to financial penalties, Britain imposed diplomatic sanctions on Rwanda, including restricting high-level attendance at Rwandan government events, limiting trade promotion, and reassessing defense training assistance and military export licenses.
With economic and diplomatic measures escalating, it remains uncertain whether these punitive actions will pressure Rwanda into altering its stance.
The coming months will be critical in determining whether these sanctions lead to a de-escalation of violence or further entrench the conflict in the Great Lakes region.
