Rwanda condemned U.S. sanctions imposed on Minister James Kabarebe for alleged support of the M23 rebels in DR Congo. The sanctions also targeted M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka. Rwanda’s foreign ministry labeled the sanctions as unjustified. DR Congo welcomes the sanctions, calling for more robust actions against Rwanda. The conflict has resulted in a humanitarian crisis due to M23 advances in the region.
The Rwandan government has publicly condemned the recent sanctions imposed by the United States on its Minister of State for Regional Integration, James Kabarebe, due to his alleged involvement in the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). The U.S. Treasury Department stated that Mr. Kabarebe is pivotal to Rwanda’s support of the M23 rebel group, highlighting concerns about human rights violations linked to his actions.
In addition to Mr. Kabarebe, the sanctions also target Lawrence Kanyuka, a spokesman for the M23, along with two companies he controls in the United Kingdom and France. The UK government has also indicated there may be future repercussions for Rwanda regarding its actions in DR Congo.
Rwanda’s foreign ministry dismissed the U.S. sanctions as “unjustified and unfounded,” asserting that such measures would not resolve the ongoing conflict in DR Congo. The M23 rebel group, which largely consists of individuals from the ethnic Tutsi community, has reportedly advanced significantly, having seized the cities of Goma and Bukavu, thereby contributing to a severe humanitarian crisis in the region.
Western nations have accused Rwanda of supplying arms and military support to the M23, allegations that Kigali has consistently denied. The U.S. Treasury emphasized the importance of holding accountable individuals like Mr. Kabarebe who contribute to destabilizing actions in Eastern DRC.
Rwanda’s government contends that its primary objective is to ensure territorial security from threats originating in DRC, asserting that Rwandans have the right to live in peace without fear of violence. It further claims that sanctions do not contribute to long-term security or stability in the Great Lakes region.
The government of DR Congo welcomed the U.S. sanctions, calling for stronger punitive measures to compel Rwanda to withdraw its military forces from its territory. Patrick Muyaya, the DR Congo government spokesman, indicated that they desire robust sanctions from various international bodies, including the United Nations Security Council and the European Union.
During a G20 foreign ministers’ meeting, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy described Rwanda’s alleged involvement as a “blatant breach of the UN Charter.” In contrast, Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira condemned the recent attacks on UN and regional peacekeeping forces in DR Congo, and China expressed its support for African self-determination while opposing external interference in the continent’s internal affairs.
In summary, Rwanda has criticized U.S. sanctions on its Minister of State, asserting that they are unjustified and counterproductive for conflict resolution in DR Congo. Despite its denial of supporting the M23 rebel group, Rwanda faces increasing international scrutiny. DR Congo welcomes these sanctions and seeks further international action against Rwanda, while calls for peace and stability in the region remain urgent.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
