Canada Imposes Sanctions on Rwanda Over Alleged Support for M23 Rebels in DRC

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The Canadian government has announced economic and political sanctions against Rwanda, saying its military is supporting the M23 rebel group in DR Congo, which constitutes a "violation of the sovereignty" of another country.

In a statement, Canadian officials said the country condemned "massive killings in eastern DRC," citing allegations of attacks on civilians, refugees, UN and regional forces, as well as "mass killings and abductions."

Canada says it has taken the following steps "in response to Rwanda's actions" in eastern Congo:

Stopping the issuance of licenses to sell ICT services to Rwanda

Stopping government-to-government cooperation with Rwanda in business matters, and in support of the private sector

Reiterating the Canadian government's participation in international events hosted by Rwanda, and Rwanda's request to host future events

Rwanda's foreign ministry said the Canadian allegations included "unacceptable allegations of murder and defamation of Rwanda", and that it would seek clarification from the Canadian government.

In a statement, Rwanda said Canada could not claim to support regional efforts to achieve peace "while leveling all kinds of accusations against Rwanda and failing to hold the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo accountable" - referring to the targeting of its own civilians in the ongoing attacks on the Banyamulenge ethnic group in South Kivu.

Rwanda's statement said: "Canada's silence on these grave human rights violations is unjust and shameful", adding that the measures Canada has imposed on Rwanda "will not resolve the conflict".

Canada announced sanctions on Rwanda after Belgium, the UK and the US imposed sanctions on Rwandan Minister James Kabarebe.

Canada's sanctions on Rwanda could affect trade between the two countries - which reached $13.4 million in 2023 - with Canadian exports to Rwanda reaching $7.2 million, while Rwanda's exports to Canada reached $3.7 million, according to the Canadian government.

Rwanda and Canada are close and have been involved in the activities of the Commonwealth and Francophonie organizations, and the announced sanctions could affect that cooperation.

Western countries, the UN and the Kinshasa government accuse Rwanda of sending its troops to Congo to support the M23 movement, which now controls the cities of Goma and Bukavu after heavy fighting in late January and February.

Rwandan authorities have denied sending troops to DR Congo, saying Rwanda has taken steps to protect its borders because the country's security is threatened by the alleged collaboration between the FDLR and Congolese government forces. M23 also denies receiving Rwandan support.

Last month, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, when asked by CNN whether Rwandan troops were in DR Congo, replied: "I don't know," saying that there were some things he did not know.

The UN accuses DR Congolese government forces of collaborating with the FDLR, a charge denied by the Kinshasa government and the FDLR.