The Rwandan government has strongly criticized Canada’s position on the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), calling it “shameful” and demanding clarification over allegations made against Kigali.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Rwanda responded to Canada’s assertion that the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) is supporting the M23 rebel group, which has been involved in recent territorial seizures, including in Goma and Bukavu. Rwanda dismissed these claims as defamatory and unacceptable.
“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,” Rwanda’s statement read.
Canada’s statement condemned M23’s territorial advances and directly accused Rwanda of violating the DRC’s sovereignty, calling the RDF’s alleged support for the rebels a “flagrant violation” of international law. Additionally, Canada denounced widespread atrocities in the conflict, including unlawful attacks on civilians, sexual violence against women and girls, and massacres.
As part of its response, Canada imposed sanctions on Rwanda, suspending permits for controlled goods exports, halting new government-to-government business initiatives, and pausing proactive support for private-sector trade activities. Canada also announced a review of its participation in international events hosted in Rwanda and stated that it would reconsider Rwanda’s proposals to host future global gatherings.
Rwanda responded with sharp criticism, accusing Canada of unfairly blaming Kigali while ignoring atrocities committed by the DRC government and its allied militias, including FARDC, FDLR, and Wazalendo. Kigali highlighted the ongoing attacks on Banyamulenge villages in South Kivu, stating that Canada’s silence on these violations is “wrong and shameful.”
“The measures against Rwanda announced by Canada will not solve the conflict. We will continue to work with the region on the agreed African-led mediation process while we safeguard our national security,” Rwanda affirmed.
The diplomatic fallout adds another layer of complexity to the already tense situation in the Great Lakes region, as Rwanda insists that resolving the DRC conflict requires a balanced approach rather than external punitive measures.
