The Rwandan government has condemned U.S. sanctions imposed on its Minister of State for Regional Integration, James Kabarebe, accusing him of supporting the M23 rebel group in the DR Congo conflict. In response to the sanctions, Rwanda claims they are unjustified. Meanwhile, DR Congo welcomed the sanctions and called for further international action against Rwanda, amidst rising tensions and humanitarian crises in the region.
The Rwandan government has expressed strong disapproval of the recent decision by the United States to impose sanctions on its Minister of State for Regional Integration, James Kabarebe. The U.S. Treasury Department indicated that Kabarebe is a crucial figure in Rwanda’s alleged support of the M23 rebel group, which continues to escalate violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). In addition, sanctions were also placed on the M23 spokesman, Lawrence Kanyuka, as well as two companies owned by him operating in the UK and France.
Rwanda’s foreign ministry condemned the U.S. sanctions as “unjustified and unfounded,” asserting that such actions would not contribute to a resolution of the conflict in DR Congo. The M23 has recently captured significant cities like Goma and Bukavu, triggering a substantial humanitarian crisis with severe consequences for local families. Reports suggest that the conflict is exacerbated by Rwanda’s alleged provision of arms and support to these rebel factions, claims which the Rwandan government vehemently denies.
Bradley Smith, the acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, stated that Kabarebe and Kanyuka are connected to ongoing violence and human rights violations in DR Congo. He emphasized the U.S. commitment to holding accountable individuals who contribute to the destabilizing activities in the region. Meanwhile, Rwanda insists that its military operations are intended for its national security and an end to ethnic extremism threatening its borders.
In response to the sanctions, the DR Congo government welcomed the U.S. actions and urged for more robust measures from international bodies to compel Rwanda to cease its alleged military involvement and withdrawal of troops from DR Congo. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy characterized the reported Rwandan troop involvement as a “blatant breach of the UN Charter,” which could escalate into a broader regional conflict. Brazil’s Foreign Minister also denounced recent assaults on UN peacekeepers in the area, underscoring the urgent need for stability.
Amid these developments, China reaffirmed its stance against external interference in African nations’ affairs. The statement reflects ongoing tensions and the complex dynamics of international relations in securing peace and stability in the Great Lakes region.
The increased tension between Rwanda, the United States, and the Democratic Republic of Congo reveals the complexities of regional conflicts in East Africa. The U.S. sanctions against Rwandan officials signal international concern over the role of Rwanda in the conflict with rebel groups like M23. Both local and international reactions underscore the need for a concerted effort to achieve lasting peace and address humanitarian crises in the region.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
