Rwanda has condemned the position and sanctions of Canada over the conflict going on in democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda foreign ministry referred to the sanctions as a shameful one and that sanctions will not solve the conflict.
Also, the foreign ministry in a statement, expressed that Canada cannot welcome the efforts of regional actors and put the violation blame on Rwanda.
According to UN experts, The M23 armed group backed by Rwandan soldiers had taken sections of the eastern DRC in recent weeks. Rwanda denies this by saying it is defending itself against ethnic militants bent on threatening Rwanda and slaughtering M23 in Congo.
However, Canadian Foreign Minister, Melanie Joly has condemned the presence of Rwandan soldiers and its support for the M23. Joly, on Monday, disclosed that Rwanda’s activities constitute flagrant violations of the DRC’s territorial integrity and sovereignty of the United Nations.
He added that Canada will review its participation In international events and suspend its export permit of goods and technology.
Reports indicated that Canada’s actions come after the British government announced the suspension of bilateral aid to Rwanda over the M23 offensive. Recall that Rwanda’s Minister of Regional Integration, James Kabaerebe was sanctioned by the United States earlier this month.
The minister for regional Integration was accused of being central to the country’s support for M23.
Canada now joins the European Union and the United Kingdom to suspend bilateral aid to Rwanda.
According to Reuters, the M23 rebel group entered the city of Goma in Congo in January capturing territory and valuable minerals. The ongoing onslaught is the greatest escalation of long long-running conflict originating from Rwanda’s 1994 genocide spilling in Congo.
