Rwanda continues to be on the receiving end, with Canada being the latest Western country to issue sanctions against Kigali over interference in the eastern DRC conflict.
Global Affairs Canada, which manages the country’s diplomatic and consular affairs, on Monday, March 3, condemned the presence of the Rwanda Defence Force in the DRC and its support for the M23.
This support, the statement said, constitutes flagrant violations of the DRC’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and of the United Nations Charter.
“Canada denounces 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,” the statement by Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly, International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen and their International Trade counterpart Mary Ng said.
Consequently, Canada suspended the issuance of permits for the export of controlled goods and technologies to Rwanda, as well as new government-to-government business pursuits.
Additionally, Canada suspended proactive support to private-sector business development activities, including trade missions.
Canada also resolved to review its participation at international events hosted in Rwanda, as well as Rwandan proposals to host any future events.
At the same time, Canada announced $15 million for humanitarian assistance in the DRC to respond to needs of crisis-affected people.
“The humanitarian situation in eastern DRC is critical and Canada remains committed to ensuring the most vulnerable are reached with lifesaving assistance,” the statement added.
RWANDA FIGHTBACK
In its response, Rwanda Foreign Ministry said it finds the defamatory attribution to itself of alleged atrocities unacceptable.
“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. This includes the ongoing daily bombing and attacks on Banyamulenge villages in South Kivu by FARDC, FDLR and Wazalendo,” Kigali said.
It added that Canada’s silence on these grave human rights violations is wrong and shameful.
“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,” it said.
Among other countries that have sanctioned Rwanda include the UK and the US, while the EU and its individual members are considering sanctions.
However, Kigali has remained bullish, with Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe saying they don’t fear becoming “increasingly isolated” because of the war in the eastern DRC.
“Any talk about punitive measures and sanctions against Rwanda cannot prevent us from protecting our borders and our population,” Nduhungirehe told the Association of UN Correspondents.
“Rwanda does not fear being isolated. We are facing an existential threat from a genocidal force. So, being diplomatically isolated is not a concern for now.”
