Rwanda condemned US sanctions against its Minister of State, James Kabarebe, for supporting the M23 rebel group in the DRC. The US accused Kabarebe of links to violence and human rights violations. The DRC government welcomed the sanctions, seeking further actions against Rwanda. Rwanda maintains that such punitive measures fail to address the ongoing conflict and security threats in the region.
Rwanda has condemned recent US sanctions targeted at one of its government ministers, James Kabarebe, who is accused of supporting the M23 rebel group in the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The US Treasury Department also sanctioned the M23 spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, and two of his companies based in the UK and France due to their alleged involvement in violence and human rights abuses in the region.
Rwanda’s foreign ministry characterized the US sanctions as “unjustified and unfounded,” arguing that such measures do not facilitate a resolution to the conflict. The M23 rebel group, composed primarily of Tutsis, has been advancing in the DRC, capturing major cities such as Goma and Bukavu and creating a significant humanitarian crisis affecting local populations.
The US Treasury outlined that Kabarebe plays a critical role in Rwanda’s backing of the M23 forces, which is seen as exacerbating violence in the DRC. Bradley Smith, acting Under Secretary of the Treasury, emphasized the US’s commitment to holding accountable those enabling destabilizing activities in the region.
In response to the US decision, Rwanda emphasized its need for security against threats originating from the DRC and dismissed the sanctions as ineffective for achieving long-term stability. The Rwandan ministry insisted that punitive actions do not contribute to peace efforts in the Great Lakes region.
The DRC welcomed the US sanctions and called for additional measures, aiming for a stronger international response to compel Rwanda to withdraw its troops. Government spokesman Patrick Muyaya shared that more robust sanctions from the UN Security Council and the EU are desired to address alleged Rwandan involvement.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, addressing the involvement of Rwandan troops, described it as an infringement of the UN Charter, raising concerns over escalating regional tensions. During the same discussion, Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira criticized recent aggressions against UN and regional forces in the DRC.
In contrast, China expressed support for the autonomy of African nations in resolving their internal issues and opposed external interference, reiterating the importance of self-determination on the continent.
The US sanctions against Rwandan officials highlight the international community’s efforts to address the exacerbating conflict in the DRC. While Rwanda argues these measures are unjustified, the DRC welcomes further actions. The situation remains complex, with implications for regional stability and humanitarian conditions as violence continues to escalate in the eastern DRC.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
