The United States has imposed sanctions on a Rwandan government minister and a spokesperson for the M23 rebel group, citing their roles in the escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The U.S. sanctioned Rwandan Minister for Regional Integration, James Kabarebe, and M23 rebel spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston, along with two companies linked to Kanyuka and registered in the U.K. and France.
The M23 rebels, who are backed by Rwanda, have gained significant territory in eastern Congo, including capturing the strategic cities of Goma and Bukavu. The group, one of more than 100 armed factions fighting for control of Congo’s mineral-rich region, has expanded its control rapidly after a three-week offensive.
In response to the growing crisis, the U.S. has called on Rwanda’s leadership to end support for the M23 and withdraw its troops from Congo. U.N. experts estimate that approximately 4,000 Rwandan soldiers are currently in Congo. The U.S. State Department also urged both the Congolese and Rwandan governments to hold those responsible for human rights violations accountable.
The sanctions specifically target Kabarebe, a retired military officer, who has been accused of liaising with the M23 rebels and overseeing the export of minerals seized by the group in eastern Congo. The U.S. aims to hold key individuals like Kabarebe and Kanyuka accountable for their involvement in the ongoing conflict.
Since the M23’s offensive began in late January, over 700 people have been killed, and nearly 3,000 others have been injured in the conflict zones, according to local officials.
Africanews