Canada is criticized by Rwanda for its position on the DR Congo situation

Global Affairs Canada’s comment on the current crisis in eastern DR Congo was denounced by the Rwandan government on Tuesday, March 4, as inappropriate, disgraceful, and slanderous.

Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development; Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development; and Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, signed the aforementioned statement on March 3.

In the statement, Canada imposes sanctions and accuses the Rwanda Defense Force of supporting the M23 and being present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

“By blaming Rwanda for various violations and failing to hold the DRC Government accountable, Canada emboldens it to escalate attacks against its own civilians, and it cannot claim to welcome the efforts of regional actors in the peace process,” the Rwandan official statement continues.

It continues: “This includes the daily bombings and attacks by FARDC, FDLR, and Wazalendo on Banyamulenge villages in South Kivu.” It is disgraceful and incorrect for Canada to remain silent about these serious human rights abuses.

The Rwandan government added that it would ask the Canadian government to clarify its stance on this matter.

In addition to accusing Rwanda of being responsible for the DRC conflict, the Canadian ministers declared that the government of Canada had made the decision to stop issuing permits for the export of controlled goods and technologies to Rwanda, to stop pursuing new government-to-government business ventures with Rwanda, and to provide proactive assistance to private-sector business development initiatives, such as trade missions.

According to the statement, Canada will also examine its involvement in international events held in Rwanda and Rwanda’s offers to host any future gatherings.

The Rwandan government retorted that actions taken against it would not end the war.

Kigali concluded by saying, “While we protect our national security, Rwanda will continue to work with the region on the agreed African-led mediation process.”