President Paul Kagame has launched a scathing attack on Canada following its decision to impose sanctions on Rwanda over allegations of involvement in the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Kagame has condemned the sanctions as “unacceptable” and accused Canada of bias and failing to hold the DRC accountable for its role in the escalating conflict.
In a statement dated March 4, Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed outrage over a recent announcement by Global Affairs Canada, which accused Rwanda of human rights violations in the eastern DRC.
“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,” read the statement.
Kagame Responds to Canada Sanctions
The Rwandan government accused Canada of hypocrisy, claiming that while it purports to support regional peace efforts, it has unfairly placed the blame for the conflict solely on Rwanda.
The statement further criticized Canada for failing to hold the DRC government accountable for its actions, including alleged attacks on civilians by the DRC’s armed forces (FARDC), the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), and the Wazalendo militia.
“Canada cannot claim to welcome the efforts of regional actors in the peace process when it places the blame for all kinds of violations on Rwanda and fails to hold the DRC government accountable,” the statement said.
This emboldens the DRC to escalate attacks against its own civilians, including the ongoing daily bombing and attacks on Banyamulenge (Tutsi community living in DRC) villages in South Kivu,” read the statement.
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Rwanda also condemned Canada’s silence on what it described as “grave human rights violations” committed by DRC-backed forces, calling it “wrong and shameful.”
Further, the statement emphasized that Canada’s sanctions would not resolve the conflict and reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to an African-led mediation process.
Kagame’s response came hours after the Canadian government imposed three Sanctions on Rwanda accusing him of being involved in the Eastern DRC conflict between DRC government and M23 rebels.
Canada imposes Sanctions on Rwanda
The Canadian government’s statement condemned the March 23 Movement (M23) for its seizure of territory in eastern DRC, including the cities of Goma and Bukavu, and accused the Rwanda Defence Force of supporting the rebel group.
“Canada condemns in the strongest possible terms the M23’s actions and the presence of the Rwanda Defence Force in the DRC, which constitute flagrant violations of the DRC’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as the United Nations Charter,” read the statement.
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In response to Rwanda’s actions, Canada imposed the following measures:
- Suspension of permits for the export of controlled goods and technologies to Rwanda.
- Suspension of new government-to-government business pursuits with Rwanda, as well as proactive support for private-sector business development activities, including trade missions.
- A review of Canada’s participation in international events hosted in Rwanda and Rwandan proposals to host future events.
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