The U.S. has sanctioned Rwandan Minister James Kabarebe and Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston over allegations of support for M23 rebels in the DRC. The sanctions aim to address human rights abuses in the region as tensions escalate, leading to a significant refugee crisis in Burundi. Germany has also protested Rwanda’s actions, highlighting a need for respecting DRC’s sovereignty and engaging in negotiations.
The United States has imposed sanctions on James Kabarebe, Rwanda’s Minister of State for Regional Integration, and a prominent member of the Congo River Alliance. This action follows allegations that they have played significant roles in supporting M23 rebels during the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced these sanctions amid an escalating humanitarian crisis.
The sanctions target Kabarebe for being “central to Rwanda’s support” for the M23 militia, a group responsible for human rights violations in the region. Additionally, Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston, a spokesperson for the Congo River Alliance, along with two of his companies based in the United Kingdom and France, have also been sanctioned. The Treasury emphasized that these measures highlight the necessity for Rwanda to engage in negotiations to resolve the conflict.
Rwanda has consistently denied allegations of military support for the M23, which has been accused of inflicting violence and human rights abuses in the DRC. Tensions have escalated, with the DRC claiming that Rwanda harbors the FDLR, a group implicated in the Rwandan genocide. Meanwhile, the DRC government accuses Rwanda of pursuing expansionist policies and illicitly extracting resources. Reports indicate that approximately 150 tonnes of coltan were fraudulently exported to Rwanda by these rebels in 2024.
On the same day, Germany summoned Rwanda’s ambassador in response to the advancing M23 rebels, urging Rwanda to respect DRC’s sovereignty and withdraw its military presence. The German Foreign Office condemned the breach of international law. Furthermore, it underscored the need for dialogue between the DRC government and M23, while acknowledging Rwanda’s security interests.
The conflict has resulted in a significant refugee crisis, with nearly 30,000 individuals fleeing to Burundi as M23 continues its offensive. A UNHCR representative noted the ongoing refugee exodus, stating that thousands are escaping daily. As M23 seizes key cities in eastern DRC, concerns about a wider regional conflict mount. Reports of summary executions, including those involving children, have emerged, prompting calls for adherence to human rights standards by all parties involved.
Red Cross officials have been documenting the casualties, including children, after the M23’s advance into the city of Bukavu. Al Jazeera reported ongoing uncertainty regarding the identities of the deceased, with the M23 denying responsibility for the killings and instead blaming the Congolese army.
The recent U.S. sanctions against Rwandan officials underscore the serious allegations against Rwanda regarding its support for M23 rebels in the DRC, which has incited a significant humanitarian crisis and refugee influx. International reactions, including Germany’s summoning of the Rwandan ambassador, reflect global concerns over regional stability and human rights violations. Both Rwanda and the DRC must navigate these complex tensions, prioritizing negotiation and adherence to international law.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
