Rwanda slams Canada’s DRC accusations, sanctions

Rwanda has denied Canada’s accusations about its involvement in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) conflict, calling them “defamatory” and “unacceptable.”

In a statement, the Rwandan government indicated that it will be seeking clarification from the Canadian government over the matter that was captured in a statement Tuesday afternoon.

“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 Rwandan statement read.

The Canadian government Tuesday issued a statement condemning the M23’s seizure of territory in eastern DRC, including Goma and Bukavu, and directly implicated the Rwanda Defence Force in supporting the rebel group.

“Canada condemns in the strongest possible terms the March 23 Movement’s (M23) seizure of territory in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), including Goma and Bukavu. We also condemn the presence of the Rwanda Defence Force in the DRC and its support for the M23, which constitute flagrant violations of the DRC’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and of the United Nations Charter.” Canada said.

Canada went ahead denounce the widespread atrocities in eastern DRC, including allegations of unlawful attacks on civilians, internally displaced persons, humanitarian actors, and both UN and regional peacekeepers, as well as massacres and kidnappings.

“We are particularly concerned by reports of conflict-related sexual violence against women and girls. These acts are heinous and contrary to obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law. Canada continues to support the International Criminal Court and recognizes its importance in providing accountability and justice to victims, including in its eastern DRC investigation.”

At the same time, Canada imposed sanctions against Rwanda, which include; suspending the issuance of permits for the export of controlled goods and technologies to Rwanda.

Canada has also suspended the new government-to-government business pursuits with Rwanda, as well as proactive support to private-sector business development activities, including trade missions.

Similarly, Canada states that it will review participation at international events hosted in Rwanda, as well as Rwandan proposals to host any future events.

In response to the sanctions, Kigali criticized Canada for placing blame solely on Rwanda while failing to hold the DRC government accountable for ongoing violence noting that Canada’s silence on these grave human rights violations is wrong and shameful.

“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, emboldening it to escalate attacks against its own civilians.” Stated Rwanda.

Adding that: “This includes the ongoing daily bombing and attacks on Banyamulenge villages in South Kivu by FARDC, FDLR and Wazalendo.”

In response to Ottawa’s decision to impose sanctions, Kigali criticized Canada for placing blame solely on Rwanda while failing to hold the DRC government accountable for ongoing violence. Rwanda accused DRC forces (FARDC) and allied militias, including FDLR and Wazalendo, of daily attacks on Banyamulenge villages in South Kivu. Rwanda further denounced Canada’s silence on these alleged human rights violations, calling it “wrong and shameful.”

Rwanda asserted that the sanctions imposed by Canada “will not solve the conflict” and reaffirmed its commitment to working with regional partners on African-led mediation efforts while safeguarding its national security.

“The measures against Rwanda announced by Canada will not solve the conflict. Rwanda will continue to work with the region on the agreed African-led mediation process, while we safeguard our national security.” Rwanda stated.