By Sarah Baafi
The United States has imposed financial sanctions on Rwanda’s Minister of State for Regional Integration, James Kabarebe, accusing him of playing a central role in supporting the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The U.S. Treasury Department stated that Kabarebe, a former army chief, is linked to Rwanda’s alleged backing of the M23, which has been involved in violence and human rights abuses in eastern DRC.
Sanctions were also placed on Lawrence Kanyuka, the M23’s spokesperson, as well as two companies he controls in Britain and France.
Rwanda has strongly condemned the sanctions, describing them as “unjustified and unfounded”.
The Rwandan foreign ministry argued that such punitive measures do not contribute to peace and stability in the Great Lakes region. Kigali maintained that its actions are aimed at securing its borders and addressing armed ethnic extremism originating from the DRC. The ministry emphasised Rwanda’s right to protect its citizens from insecurity.
The sanctions come amid escalating violence in eastern DRC, where the M23 rebel group has captured key cities like Goma and Bukavu, triggering a humanitarian crisis.
Western powers have accused Rwanda of providing arms and military support to the M23, allegations Kigali denies.
The U.S. Treasury underscored its commitment to holding individuals accountable for destabilising activities in the region, with Acting Under Secretary Bradley Smith calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The DRC government welcomed the sanctions and called for additional measures from international bodies such as the UN Security Council and the European Union.
DRC government spokesman Patrick Muyaya expressed hope that these actions would pressure Rwanda to withdraw its forces and cease its alleged support for armed groups operating on Congolese soil.
He described the sanctions as a critical step toward restoring peace and stability in the region.
