The Rwandan government has strongly denounced a statement by Global Affairs Canada regarding the ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo, calling it defamatory, unacceptable, and an unfair misrepresentation of the situation.
The statement, issued on March 3, was signed by Canadian ministers Mélanie Joly (Foreign Affairs), Ahmed Hussen (International Development), and Mary Ng (Export Promotion, International Trade, and Economic Development). It accuses Rwanda’s military of operating in DR Congo and supporting the M23 rebel group, allegations that Kigali has repeatedly denied. As a result, Canada announced a series of sanctions targeting Rwanda.
In response, Rwanda accused Canada of undermining regional peace efforts while failing to hold the DR Congo government accountable for its own actions.
“Canada cannot claim to welcome regional mediation efforts while placing all blame on Rwanda and ignoring the DRC government’s role in escalating violence,” read a statement from Kigali. “This only emboldens Kinshasa to continue attacks against its own civilians.”
Rwanda further criticized Canada for what it described as selective silence on atrocities committed by the Congolese army and its allies, including the FDLR militia, which is linked to perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The statement highlighted “ongoing daily bombings and attacks on Banyamulenge villages in South Kivu by the FARDC, FDLR, and Wazalendo militia,” calling Canada’s lack of condemnation of these acts “wrong and shameful.”
The Rwandan government also stated that it would seek official clarification from Canada regarding its position.
Beyond its allegations, Canada’s statement also announced several punitive measures against Rwanda. These include suspending export permits for controlled goods and technologies, halting new government-to-government business engagements, and withdrawing support for private-sector trade initiatives, including trade missions. Additionally, Canada plans to review its participation in international events hosted in Rwanda and reconsider any proposals from Kigali to host future global summits.
Rwanda rejected these measures, asserting that they would not contribute to resolving the conflict.
“Rwanda will continue to work with the region through the agreed African-led mediation process while safeguarding our national security,” Kigali concluded.
The latest diplomatic fallout comes amid ongoing tensions in eastern DR Congo, where the Congolese government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of backing M23 rebels—claims Rwanda denies, instead pointing to Kinshasa’s alliances with armed groups hostile to its security.
As the situation unfolds, regional actors continue to push for a negotiated settlement, but international interventions such as Canada’s latest measures risk further complicating diplomatic efforts.