Canada Halts Trade Cooperation with Rwanda Amid DRC Conflict Allegations

Canada has suspended trade with Rwanda, alleging its support for M23 rebels in the DRC conflict. Officials condemned Rwanda’s military involvement, leading to punitive measures against the nation. Rwanda rejected the accusations as defamatory. Canada is also providing humanitarian aid to assist those affected in DRC.

Canada has officially suspended its trade and business collaboration with Rwanda, citing allegations of Rwanda’s support for the M23 rebel group, which is implicated in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This was articulated through a joint statement released by Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly, International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen, and Trade Minister Mary Ng, who condemned Rwanda’s involvement in the escalating violence in eastern DRC.

The statement unequivocally condemns the M23’s recent territorial gains in DRC, including strategic areas such as Goma and Bukavu. Canada criticized the deployment of Rwandan troops in DRC, claiming it represents a blatant infringement upon the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as a violation of the United Nations Charter.

In response, the Rwandan government rejected these accusations as defamatory. In an official statement from Kigali, Rwanda expressed its dismay at being wrongfully attributed with alleged atrocities in DRC and promised to seek further clarification from Canada concerning these claims.

The Canadian decision aligns with similar measures taken by the United Kingdom and the United States. Both nations have previously urged Rwanda to withdraw its military presence from eastern DRC and cease its support for the M23 rebels, indicating a broadened international response to Rwanda’s alleged destabilizing actions in the region.

Consequently, Canada has enacted several measures against Rwanda, which include suspending the export permits for controlled goods and technologies, halting new government initiatives, and pausing proactive support for activities aimed at trade development in the private sector. Canada is also reviewing its participation in international events hosted in Rwanda.

Furthermore, Global Affairs Canada has summoned the Rwandan High Commissioner to formally convey its stance regarding Rwanda’s engagement in the DRC conflict. The Canadian government has condemned the extensive human rights violations occurring in eastern DRC, attributing these acts primarily to the M23 and their backers, which includes unlawful assaults on civilians and humanitarian workers.

In addition, Canada emphasized the need for justice for victims of conflict-related violence and reaffirmed its support for the International Criminal Court’s ongoing inquiry into war crimes in DRC. Finally, Canada has pledged $15 million in emergency humanitarian assistance aimed at supporting displaced and vulnerable individuals affected by the conflict in DRC.

In light of Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23 rebels and involvement in the DRC conflict, Canada has decided to suspend all trade cooperation with Rwanda. This suspension includes a halt to the export of controlled goods and critical governmental collaboration, marking a significant diplomatic response. Alongside international allies, Canada aims to hold those accountable for human rights violations in the region, while also pledging humanitarian support to assist affected populations.

Original Source: chimpreports.com