The U.S. Treasury has sanctioned Rwandan Minister James Kabarebe and Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston amid accusations of their support for M23 rebels in the DRC. Germany has also protested against Rwanda’s military actions. The conflict has led to a refugee crisis in Burundi, with over 30,000 fleeing violence and human rights violations, including executions of children, reported in Bukavu.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has imposed sanctions on a Rwandan minister and an armed group’s senior member due to their alleged involvement in the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The sanctions particularly target James Kabarebe, Rwanda’s Minister of State for Regional Integration, for his central role in supporting the M23 rebels. The U.S. also sanctioned Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston, a spokesperson for the Congo River Alliance, which includes M23, along with two companies he oversees.
The Treasury’s announcement emphasizes the link between the sanctioned individuals and human rights abuses in the DRC and calls for Rwanda to engage in negotiations to resolve the conflict under the Angola-led Luanda Process. Despite accusations from the U.S., UN, and several countries regarding military support for the M23, Rwanda has denied these claims, asserting that the DRC harbors the FDLR, an armed group linked to past genocidal violence.
Germany has responded to the situation by summoning the Rwandan ambassador in Berlin, expressing strong condemnation of M23’s activities and calling for Rwanda to withdraw its military presence from the DRC. The German Federal Foreign Office highlighted the importance of respecting the DRC’s territorial integrity while urging dialogue between the DRC government and M23 forces.
The UN refugee agency reported a significant influx of refugees into Burundi, with approximately 30,000 people fleeing the conflict triggered by the M23’s offensive. According to UNHCR representatives, the influx has been the largest in 25 years, indicating the escalating impact of the violence on civilian populations.
Recent reports from the UN human rights office confirmed that M23 rebels had committed summary executions of children in Bukavu. The news raised serious concerns regarding the involvement of underage fighters. The OHCHR urged both Rwanda and M23 to uphold international human rights and humanitarian laws amidst these grave allegations.
The U.S. sanctions targeting Rwandan officials reflect growing international concern over Rwanda’s involvement in the DRC conflict, particularly its support for M23 rebels. These developments underline the humanitarian crisis resulting from the violence, with thousands fleeing to Burundi and reports of human rights abuses emerging. The call for negotiations highlights the need for diplomatic solutions to ensure stability in the region.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
