Rwanda-Canada rift deepens over eastern DR Congo conflict
Rwanda's Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed Canada's stance as "shameful", accusing it of selective outrage and ignoring DRC government-backed human rights abuses.
Diplomatic tensions between Rwanda and Canada have escalated sharply following Ottawa's decision to impose punitive measures on Kigali over its involvement in the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a strongly worded response, Rwanda's Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed Canada's stance as "shameful", accusing it of selective outrage and ignoring DRC government-backed human rights abuses.
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On March 3, 2025, Canadian ministers Mélanie Joly (Foreign Affairs), Ahmed Hussen (International Development), and Mary Ng (International Trade) released a joint statement condemning Rwanda's alleged support for the M23 rebel group in eastern Congo.
The statement called for Kigali to cease backing armed groups and announced a series of diplomatic and economic restrictions on Rwanda.
"As a result of Rwanda's actions in eastern DRC, the Government of Canada has decided to suspend the issuance of permits for the export of controlled goods and technologies to Rwanda, suspend new government-to-government business pursuits with Rwanda, as well as trade missions and private-sector development support and review Canada's participation in international events hosted in Rwanda and reconsider any future Rwandan proposals to host global summits," the statement read.
The measures mark Canada's most forceful stance yet on Rwanda's alleged role in fueling instability in eastern Congo, aligning with similar concerns expressed by the United States, European Union, and the United Nations.
"Shameful hypocrisy"
Rwanda swiftly rejected Canada's accusations, calling them "defamatory" and politically motivated.
In a statement issued on March 4, 2025, Kigali said it would seek clarifications from Ottawa, arguing that the Canadian government was unfairly blaming Rwanda while turning a blind eye to atrocities committed by Congolese forces and allied militias.
"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 while failing to hold the DRC government accountable, emboldening it to escalate attacks against its own civilians," the statement read.
Rwanda accused Canada of ignoring the daily bombings and ethnic attacks on Banyamulenge villages in South Kivu, allegedly carried out by Congolese forces (FARDC), the FDLR militia, and Wazalendo armed groups.
"Canada's silence on these grave human rights violations is wrong and shameful," Kigali asserted.
Geopolitical repercussions
The dispute highlights Rwanda's growing diplomatic isolation, as Western powers tighten pressure on President Paul Kagame's administration over its alleged interference in DRC.
Canada's move follows a broader Western realignment in the region, with Washington, Brussels, and London taking a tougher stance on Rwanda's security policies.
The diplomatic fallout also comes at a sensitive moment for Kenya and the East African Community (EAC), which have struggled to manage the volatile peace process in eastern DRC.
Rwanda remains defiant, stating that it will continue to engage in African-led mediation efforts while safeguarding its national security interests.
Whether Canada's sanctions will meaningfully shift Rwanda's calculations remains to be seen.
For now, Kigali's counteroffensive suggests that the rift will deepen before it heals.
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