The U.S. has sanctioned a Rwandan minister and a rebel spokesperson for their roles in conflict in the DRC. The sanctions come as fighting escalates, leading to a refugee crisis in Burundi. Rwanda denies supporting M23 rebels and accuses the DRC of harboring opposing forces. Germany has also protested against Rwanda’s actions, demanding respect for the DRC’s sovereignty amid growing international scrutiny.
The United States has imposed sanctions on James Kabarebe, Rwanda’s Minister of State for Regional Integration, in addition to Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston, a senior member of the Congo River Alliance, due to their involvement in the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The M23 rebels, allegedly supported by Rwanda, have intensified their offensive, causing a significant refugee crisis as thousands flee to neighboring Burundi. The U.S. Treasury highlighted that the targeted individuals are linked to violence and human rights violations in the DRC.
Rwanda denies accusations from the United Nations and other nations regarding its military support for the M23 rebels. In return, Rwanda accuses the DRC of providing refuge to the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo (FDLR), a group tied to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The DRC government has accused Rwanda of expansionism and unlawful exploitation of minerals, further straining diplomatic relations between the two nations.
As part of international responses, Germany has summoned the Rwandan ambassador to express concerns about the M23’s actions in the eastern DRC. The German Foreign Office denounced Rwanda’s military involvement and called for respect of the DRC’s territorial sovereignty while urging the DRC to engage in dialogue with M23.
The United Nations refugee agency reported that the conflict has triggered the largest influx of refugees into Burundi in 25 years, with approximately 30,000 individuals seeking safety from the advancing M23 rebels. UN representatives emphasized the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the urgent need for international attention and action to address the situation.
The M23 has claimed substantial territorial gains, causing fears of wider regional instability. The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights confirmed that M23 fighters executed children during their offensive, highlighting critical human rights breaches. Reports indicate that both adult and child combatants were engaged in hostilities, raising alarms about the implications for humanitarian law in the conflict.
In summary, U.S. sanctions against Rwandan officials reflect growing concern over Rwanda’s support for the M23 rebels amid ongoing violence in the DRC. The situation has sparked a humanitarian crisis with thousands fleeing to Burundi. International pressure mounts for Rwanda to engage in diplomatic negotiations, while allegations of severe human rights violations by the M23 continue to emerge, complicating the conflict further.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
