Sanctions pose threat to Rwanda’s growing MICE sector

Canada has become the latest country to impose sanctions on Rwanda for its alleged support of March 23 Movement or Congolese Revolutionary Army (M23) rebels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). While the sanctions announced by Canada, the UK and the European Union focus on trade restrictions, Rwanda’s burgeoning meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector is also in the firing line.

In a joint statement this week, Canadian ministers condemned the alleged human rights violations happening in the DRC. As a result, Canada is suspending permits for exports of controlled goods and technologies, new government-to-government business pursuits with Rwanda and trade missions and will review the Canadian…