Rwanda criticizes Canada’s sanction measures over eastern Congo conflict

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) – Rwanda on Tuesday criticized Canada’s sanctions against the country over the ongoing fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, saying these measures will not solve the conflict.

Canada on Monday announced the suspension of the issuance of permits for the export of controlled goods and technologies to Rwanda, new government-to-government business pursuits with the East African country, as well as proactive support to private-sector business development activities, including trade missions.

In response, Rwandan authorities said they had taken note of Canada’s stance on the situation in eastern Congo but “found the defamatory attribution to Rwanda of alleged atrocities unacceptable.”

“The measures against Rwanda announced by Canada will not solve the conflict. Rwanda will continue to work with the region on the agreed Africa-led mediation process while we safeguard our national security,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The M23 group has intensified its territorial control in eastern Congo since December, seizing the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu.

Congo accuses neighboring Rwanda of backing the group. Rwanda, however, denies the allegations.

Canadian authorities condemned “in the strongest possible terms” the M23 rebel’s seizure of territory in eastern Congo, including the two key cities in North and South Kivu provinces.

They also condemned the presence of the Rwandan forces in Congo and its support for the M23, saying it constitutes flagrant violations of Congo’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and the United Nations Charter.

Canada’s sanction measures are the latest after the US and UK announced sanctions against Rwanda last month over the eastern Congo conflict.

The M23 argues it is defending the interests of minority Congolese Tutsis, who say they experience discrimination due to their ethnic links to Rwanda’s Tutsi community.

Last week, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution calling for the rebel group to immediately cease hostilities, withdraw from areas it controls, and fully reverse the establishment of illegitimate parallel administrations in the Congolese territory.

The number of people displaced by violence has now surged to more than 400,000 this year alone, according to the UN refugee agency (UNHCR).