On Tuesday, March 5, Gen. (Rtd) James Kabarebe made this statement while speaking to members of parliament, government representatives, political party leaders, and members of civil society at a meeting that covered regional security concerns, including the rise in genocide ideology.

"The US, UK, Germany, and Canada are among the nations that have placed sanctions on Rwanda.  Kabarebe stated, "All of these are safeguarding their interests in Congo."

 They only see minerals in Congo.  For instance, the Canadians' so-called sanctions are motivated only by [minerals].

 "The largest cassiterite mine in the world is run by [the Canadians] in Walikale, North Kivu, a bit further from Masisi.  It is known as Alphamin.  Therefore, Kabarebe stated, "With this mine, it's not surprising that the Canadians decided to impose sanctions on Rwanda."

Alphamin Bisie Mining SA is a mining firm that is owned by both South Africans and Canadians.  The company claims on its website that its DR Congo mine complex "produces approximately 20,000 tonnes of contained tin per annum, amounting to roughly 7% of the world’s mined tin."

The Congolese government has urged Western governments to inflict sanctions on Rwanda by offering them mining concessions, Kabarebe continued.

 "Congo doesn't have to yell.  They only provide minerals to Western nations, who then follow Congo's wishes," he stated.

 Rwanda is accused by the Democratic Republic of Congo of aiding the M23 rebels, who have seized two important eastern cities.  Rwanda rejects these claims, citing DR Congo's cooperation with the FDLR militia—which is connected to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi—as a security danger.  Concerns have also been raised by Rwanda regarding Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi's open declarations of willingness to overthrow Rwandan authorities.

As a member of the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), the M23 rebel group defends the rights of Tutsi communities in Congo that have been subjected to ethnic atrocities by the FDLR and its affiliated militias.

 The Congolese government has rejected the rebels' requests for talks despite a string of defeats since the start of 2025 and mounting appeals for dialogue.

According to the Rwandan government, the Western administration politicized bilateral collaboration and held Rwanda accountable for the DR Congo situation while absolving the Congolese government of responsibility for crimes.

 DR Congo's backing of UN-sanctioned militias and the recent bombings of the Banyamulenge community in South Kivu are examples of these crimes.