Canada has announced stringent measures against Rwanda over its alleged support for the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Canadian top officials; Mélanie Joly (Foreign Affairs), Ahmed Hussen (International Development), and Mary Ng (International Trade) in a joint statement issued on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, condemned the presence of Rwandan troops in the DRC and their alleged backing of M23 rebels.

“Canada condemns in the strongest possible terms the M23’s seizure of territory in the eastern DRC, including Goma and Bukavu,” the statement read.

According to the officials, the presence of the Rwanda Defence Force in the DRC and its support for the M23 constitute flagrant violations of the DRC’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and of the United Nations Charter.

In response, Canada suspended export permits for controlled goods and technologies to Rwanda, halted new government-to-government business engagements and trade missions, and is reviewing its participation in international events hosted in Rwanda.

“Global Affairs Canada summoned the Rwandan High Commissioner in Canada to convey Canada’s stance against Rwanda’s clear violation of DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to inform Rwanda of these measures,” the statement read.

The Canadian government also pledged $15 million in humanitarian assistance to support crisis-affected communities in eastern DRC.

Expressing deep concern over ongoing atrocities, the statement cited “unlawful attacks on civilians, internally displaced persons, humanitarian actors, and peacekeepers, as well as massacres and kidnappings.”

Canada has called on all parties to exercise restraint, engage in dialogue, and uphold commitments under the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes.

It also commended regional bodies such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU) for their mediation efforts.

The announcement follows similar actions by other nations in recent weeks. Earlier last month, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the suspension of £32 million ($40 million) in annual bilateral aid to Rwanda, stating, “The UK will impose other measures, such as looking into potential sanctions and suspending future defence training assistance.”

However, Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on March 4, 2025, condemning Canada’s stance as “shameful” and dismissing the allegations as defamatory.

“Rwanda takes note of the statement by Global Affairs Canada on the situation in eastern DRC and finds the defamatory attribution to Rwanda of alleged atrocities unacceptable. We will be seeking clarification on this from the Canadian government,” the statement read.

Rwanda accused Canada of failing to hold the DRC government accountable while unfairly placing blame on Kigali.

“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 and fails to hold the DRC Government accountable, emboldening it to escalate attacks against its own civilians,” the ministry said.

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.