Canada Suspends Trade with Rwanda over DRC Conflict

Canada has implemented sanctions against Rwanda due to its alleged military support for the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has led to significant territorial gains and a humanitarian crisis in the region. The measures include suspending export permits for controlled goods and technologies, halting government business cooperation, and reviewing participation in international events hosted in Rwanda. In response, Rwanda condemned Canada's actions as 'shameful' and asserted that such measures would not resolve the ongoing conflict, accusing Ottawa of unfairly blaming Kigali for violations. The M23 offensive, which began in late December, has been described as the most serious escalation of a long-standing conflict tied to Rwanda's 1994 genocide and the struggle for control over DRC's mineral wealth. Other nations, including the UK and US, have also imposed sanctions or suspended aid in reaction to Rwanda's involvement. The situation continues to draw international scrutiny as the humanitarian crisis deepens.