Rwanda has condemned US sanctions against its government minister for alleged support of the M23 rebels in DR Congo. The sanctions follow the M23’s recent military gains, leading to humanitarian crises. Rwanda insists the measures are unjust and counterproductive to regional stability, while DR Congo welcomes the sanctions and seeks further international action.
The Rwandan government has criticized the recent US sanctions targeting James Kabarebe, its Minister of State for Regional Integration, for his alleged involvement in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). The US Treasury Department announced that Kabarebe played a key role in Rwanda’s support for the M23 rebel group, and also sanctioned Lawrence Kanyuka, the M23’s spokesman, alongside two companies he owns in the UK and France.
In response to the US sanctions, Rwanda stated that such measures are “unjustified and unfounded,” claiming they will not help resolve the ongoing conflict in DR Congo. This reaction follows the M23’s recent military advances in the eastern region of DR Congo, where they seized the cities of Goma and Bukavu, exacerbating a significant humanitarian crisis.
Rwanda is accused by Western nations of providing arms and backing to the M23, accusations that it firmly denies. The Treasury Department linked Kabarebe and Kanyuka’s activities to violence and human rights violations in DR Congo, emphasizing the need for accountability among those inciting instability in the region.
Despite the United States’ intention to promote peace, Rwanda defended its actions by asserting the right to secure its borders against threats of insecurity stemming from DR Congo. The Rwandan government emphasized that punitive measures like sanctions do not contribute to long-term peace or stability in the Great Lakes region.
DR Congo welcomed the sanctions against Rwanda, seeking further international action to compel Rwanda to withdraw its forces and cease what it describes as criminal acts within its territory. The government expressed hope for more robust sanctions from the UN Security Council and the EU.
UK officials labeled Rwanda’s actions as a blatant violation of the UN Charter, with concerns about the potential for broader regional conflict. Additionally, China voiced its support for African solutions to internal issues, opposing foreign interference in African states’ affairs.
In summary, the US imposed sanctions on Rwandan officials linked to supporting the M23 rebel group in DR Congo. Rwanda condemned these sanctions, asserting their unjustness and declaring that they would not aid in resolving the conflict. Both DR Congo and Western nations have expressed concerns over Rwanda’s involvement in the violence, indicating significant geopolitical tensions in the region.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
