The U.S. has imposed sanctions on a Rwandan minister and an armed group member due to their involvement in the conflict supporting M23 rebels in DRC. The sanctions aim to pressure Rwanda to engage in negotiations to resolve the crisis, which has led to thousands of refugees fleeing to Burundi. Germany has also condemned Rwanda’s actions, accusing it of violating the DRC’s sovereignty.
The U.S. imposed sanctions on Rwandan Minister of State for Regional Integration James Kabarebe and a member of the Congo River Alliance, Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston, due to their involvement in the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These sanctions are attributed to their support for the M23 rebel group, which has intensified fighting in the region, leading to a significant refugee crisis with thousands fleeing to Burundi.
The U.S. Treasury claimed that Kabarebe plays a crucial role in Rwanda’s backing of M23 rebels, who are accused of violent actions and human rights violations. Kingston’s sanctions also affect his controlled companies in the UK and France, highlighting the international pressure for Rwanda to engage in peace talks to resolve the conflict under the Angola-led Luanda Process.
Rwanda, which denies military backing of M23, has accused the DRC of harboring the FDLR, a group led by participants of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Tensions remain high, as the DRC government accuses Rwanda of aggressive expansionism, claiming it exploits DRC’s mineral resources. This conflict has resulted in M23 rebels capturing strategic cities, exacerbating regional instability.
Germany has joined the international diplomatic efforts by summoning Rwanda’s ambassador to protest Rwanda’s alleged complicity with the M23 militia and has called for respect for the sovereignty of the DRC. In addition, the DRC government has been urged to communicate with M23 while considering Rwanda’s security concerns.
The United Nations refugee agency reported the increased flow of refugees into Burundi, marking the country’s largest influx in 25 years. Thousands are fleeing daily, with reports of M23 rebels committing serious human rights violations, including the execution of children in Bukavu. The UN also noted that some combatants among the rebels are minors, raising international humanitarian law concerns.
In summary, the recent U.S. sanctions against Rwandan officials underscore the international community’s condemnation of Rwanda’s support for M23 rebels in the DRC. The conflict has provoked significant humanitarian crises, with thousands fleeing to Burundi and alarming human rights violations being reported. Moving forward, diplomatic efforts and peace negotiations under the Angola-led Luanda Process may be crucial in resolving the tensions between Rwanda and the DRC.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
