US Sanctions Rwandan Officials for M23 Support

US Action Against Rwandan Supporters of M23 Movement

The United States has imposed sanctions on Rwanda’s Minister of State for Regional Integration, James Kabarebe, and M23 rebel group spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston, due to their involvement in the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The U.S. Treasury Department announced these measures, highlighting Kabarebe’s central role in orchestrating Rwandan support for M23, a group responsible for severe human rights abuses in the region. Kingston was sanctioned for his leadership position within M23 and his involvement in activities that exacerbate the conflict.

In response, the Rwandan government dismissed the sanctions as “unjustified and unfounded,” asserting that they undermine regional diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict.

These sanctions coincide with the United Nations Security Council’s consideration of a resolution urging Rwanda to withdraw its military support for M23 and pull its troops from Congolese territory without preconditions. The resolution condemns M23’s advances in North-Kivu and South Kivu, allegedly backed by the Rwanda Defence Forces, and demands an immediate cessation of hostilities.

The situation remains tense, with international bodies calling for de-escalation and adherence to diplomatic solutions to address the conflict in the DRC.