Rwanda condemned U.S. sanctions targeting James Kabarebe, claiming they are unjustified and ineffective. The U.S. accuses Kabarebe of supporting the M23 rebel group, linked to violence in the DRC. In response, Rwanda emphasized its right to protect its borders and pursue regional stability, while the DRC welcomed the sanctions and called for more robust measures against Rwanda.
The Rwandan government has publicly criticized the United States for imposing sanctions on its Minister of State for Regional Integration, James Kabarebe. The U.S. Treasury Department asserts that Kabarebe played a crucial role in supporting the M23 rebel group in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In addition to Kabarebe, the sanctions also target Lawrence Kanyuka, the M23 spokesperson, and two companies linked to him in the UK and France.
The U.S. sanctions were announced amid intensified military movements from the M23, which has recently captured significant cities, including Goma and Bukavu, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis affecting families in the region. In response to the sanctions, Rwanda’s foreign ministry dismissed them as unfounded and ineffective in resolving the conflict, claiming that they only serve to undermine regional stability.
Accusations against Rwanda suggest it has provided arms and military support to the M23, allegations that the Rwandan government vehemently denies. The rationale for sanctioning Kabarebe, according to the U.S. Treasury Department, is his central involvement in supporting the rebel group and his connections to violence and human rights abuses in the DRC, highlighting a commitment to accountability for destabilizing activities in the region.
Rwanda affirmed its position, stressing that its actions aim to secure national borders and combat ethnic extremism. The Rwandan foreign ministry stated, “Rwandans have the right to live in peace and without the perpetual threat of insecurity originating from the DRC.” The government expressed its belief that sanctions would not contribute to long-term stability in the Great Lakes region.
The DRC welcomed the U.S. sanctions and called for further measures from international bodies like the UN Security Council and the EU to compel Rwanda to withdraw its troops from the DRC. The DRC government spokesperson remarked that this signifies the beginning of more robust actions needed to address the situation. During a G20 meeting, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy criticized Rwanda’s actions as a violation of the UN Charter, raising concerns about regional conflict escalation.
The conflict in the DRC continues to escalate amid accusations of external interference, particularly from Rwanda. The U.S. has taken measures against Rwandan officials, yet these actions are met with significant backlash from the Rwandan government, which argues that sanctions do not address the underlying issues. The DRC is advocating for further international interventions to restore stability in the region, while the broader international community remains divided in its approach.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
