Rwanda has firmly denied allegations by the Canadian government regarding its involvement in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), labeling the accusations as “defamatory” and “unacceptable.”
In a statement issued Tuesday, the Rwandan government announced it would seek clarification from Canada over the claims.
“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 statement read.
Canada’s statement condemned the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group’s seizure of territory in eastern DRC, including the cities of Goma and Bukavu, and directly accused the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) of supporting the rebels.
“Canada condemns in the strongest possible terms the M23’s actions, as well as 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,” the Canadian government said.
Canada also expressed concern over widespread atrocities in eastern DRC, including unlawful attacks on civilians, internally displaced persons, humanitarian actors, and peacekeepers, as well as 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,” the statement added. Canada reiterated its support for the International Criminal Court’s investigation into the situation in eastern DRC.
In response to the allegations, Canada imposed sanctions on Rwanda, including suspending permits for the export of controlled goods and technologies, halting new government-to-government business initiatives, and reviewing participation in international events hosted by Rwanda.
Rwanda criticized Canada’s sanctions, accusing it of unfairly placing blame on Rwanda while ignoring the DRC government’s role in ongoing violence.
“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,” Rwanda stated.
Kigali specifically pointed to daily attacks on Banyamulenge villages in South Kivu by DRC forces (FARDC) and allied militias, including the FDLR and Wazalendo. Rwanda denounced Canada’s silence on these alleged human rights violations as “wrong and shameful.”
Rwanda also emphasized that Canada’s sanctions “will not solve the conflict” and reaffirmed its commitment to working with regional partners on African-led mediation efforts.
“We will continue to work with the region on the agreed African-led mediation process, while we safeguard our national security,” the statement concluded.
The escalating diplomatic tensions highlight the complexity of the DRC conflict and the challenges of achieving a peaceful resolution. Both Rwanda and Canada have called for accountability, but their differing perspectives underscore the deep-rooted issues in the region.
