Canada and Germany have imposed sanctions on Rwanda because of its support for the M23 rebels in eastern Congo. Canada said in a statement on Monday:

“As a result of Rwanda’s actions in the eastern DRC, the Government of Canada has made the decision to:

1. suspend the issuance of permits for the export of controlled goods and technologies to Rwanda
2. suspend new government-to-government business pursuits with Rwanda, as well as proactive support to private-sector business development activities, including trade missions
3. 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.

“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.”

Germany said in a statement released on Tuesday:

“The German government, like the European Union and the Security Council of the United Nations in its Resolution 2773, has repeatedly expressed its views on the situation in Eastern Congo and on the actions of the M23, which is supported by Rwanda, and of the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF), including the capture of the provincial capitals of Goma (North Kivu) and Bukavu (South Kivu). We utterly condemn these actions, which are a violation of the ceasefire based on the Luanda Process and a violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The German government supports the African-led mediation efforts.

“Acting in consultation with its partners, Germany will further restrict the scope of its bilateral cooperation with Rwanda. In particular, we will suspend new financial commitments, review existing cooperation with the Rwandan government in the field of development cooperation, suspend high-level participation in development cooperation events organised by the Rwandan government and, together with other partners, will seek an appropriate response in the case of multilateral programmes.”