RWANDA has strongly criticised Canada’s decision to suspend trade and business engagements, calling it a ‘shameful’ stance that will do little to resolve the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The condemnation follows Canada’s announcement on Monday that it would halt the issuance of permits for controlled goods and technologies to Rwanda. Additionally, Ottawa will suspend new government-to-government trade and business missions, as well as private-sector business development activities involving Rwanda.
Canada’s move comes amid widening international pressure on Rwanda, with the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States also imposing restrictions or sanctions over Rwanda’s alleged support for the Tutsi-led M23 rebel group.
Growing international pressure on Rwanda
According to Reuters, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, alongside ministers responsible for international trade and development, reaffirmed Western accusations that Rwanda is backing the M23 rebels—claims that Kigali has vehemently denied.
The M23 group, which resurfaced in late 2021, has captured significant territory in eastern Congo, advancing towards the strategic city of Goma in January. The group’s latest offensive, ongoing since December, has exacerbated regional tensions and reignited concerns over the longstanding struggle for control of Congo’s vast mineral wealth.
Rwanda’s response to accusations
Rwanda has repeatedly rejected claims of supporting M23, arguing that it is defending itself against armed ethnic Hutu militias in eastern Congo, who Kigali says have ties to those responsible for the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The Rwandan government has accused Western nations of bias, stating that cutting aid and imposing sanctions will not address the root causes of instability in the region.
Despite growing diplomatic isolation, Rwanda maintains that the international community has failed to hold Congo accountable for allowing hostile armed groups to operate near its borders.
Sanctions and trade suspensions escalate diplomatic tensions
Beyond Canada’s actions, other global powers have also tightened their stance against Rwanda. The United States recently imposed sanctions on James Kabarebe, a senior official in Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, citing his alleged role in supporting armed groups in the region.
The European Union and the UK have also announced reductions in bilateral aid, citing similar concerns over Rwanda’s involvement in the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, Canada has hinted at a review of its participation in future international events hosted by Rwanda.
Ongoing conflict in eastern Congo
Eastern Congo has long been a flashpoint of violence, with multiple armed groups fighting over land, resources, and ethnic tensions. The resurgence of M23 has deepened instability, displacing thousands of civilians and threatening regional security.
The conflict has roots in the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide, when Hutu militias fled into eastern Congo and later formed armed groups that Kigali views as a direct threat. This complex history has led to repeated clashes between Congo’s forces and Rwandan-backed rebels, making peace efforts increasingly difficult.
The road ahead for Rwanda-Canada relations
While Canada’s sanctions mark a significant escalation, it remains unclear how Rwanda will respond diplomatically. Kigali has indicated that it will not bow to pressure but instead continue to advocate for what it calls a fair and unbiased approach to resolving the Congo crisis.
As international scrutiny grows, Rwanda’s role in the conflict remains a contentious issue, with diplomatic and economic repercussions likely to intensify in the coming months.
