The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs; the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development; and the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, today issued the following statement:
"Canada condemns in the strongest possible terms the March 23 Movement's (M23) seizure of territory in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), including Goma and Bukavu. We also condemn the presence of the Rwanda Defence Force in the DRC and its support for the M23, which constitute flagrant violations of the DRC's territorial integrity and sovereignty and of the United Nations Charter.
"Canada urges all parties to exercise restraint, engage in meaningful dialogue and commit to peaceful solutions to prevent further destabilization.
"Canada denounces the widespread atrocities in eastern DRC, including allegations of unlawful attacks on civilians, internally displaced persons, humanitarian actors, and both UN and regional peacekeepers, as well as massacres and kidnappings. We are particularly concerned by reports of conflict-related sexual violence against women and girls. These acts are heinous and contrary to obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law. Canada continues to support the International Criminal Court and recognizes its importance in providing accountability and justice to victims, including in its eastern DRC investigation.
"Canada welcomes the efforts of countries in the region, as well as the Southern African Development Community, the East African Community, and the African Union, to find a peaceful path forward. We urge all stakeholders to demonstrate political will to find peace, honour their commitments under the Luanda and Nairobi processes and collaborate to address humanitarian needs and the underlying causes of this conflict.
"As a result of Rwanda's actions in the eastern DRC, the Government of Canada has made the decision 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 proactive support to private-sector business development activities, including trade missions
- review Government of Canada participation at international events hosted in Rwanda, as well as Rwandan proposals to host any future events
"Today, 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. Should Rwanda continue to violate international humanitarian law, the Government of Canada will consider imposing additional measures, including sanctions.
"The humanitarian situation in eastern DRC is critical and Canada remains committed to ensuring the most vulnerable are reached with lifesaving assistance. Canada is announcing $15 million for humanitarian assistance in the Democratic Republic of Congo to respond to needs of crisis-affected people."
