The U.S. has sanctioned Rwandan Minister James Kabarebe for alleged support of M23 rebels in the DRC, which has resulted in increased violence and a humanitarian crisis. Sanctions also affect Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston of the Congo River Alliance. Rwanda denies military support, while Germany protests against M23’s advances, amid a massive refugee exodus to Burundi.
The United States has imposed sanctions on James Kabarebe, Rwanda’s Minister of State for Regional Integration, due to his alleged involvement in supporting the M23 rebel group in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The U.S. Treasury stated that Kabarebe plays a crucial role in facilitating Rwanda’s backing of M23, which has been linked to ongoing violence and human rights violations in the region. This action follows the increasing humanitarian crisis as thousands flee to Burundi amidst M23’s offensive.
Additionally, sanctions were also directed at Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston, a senior member of the Congo River Alliance, which includes the M23. The sanctions included two companies controlled by Kingston in the UK and France. The U.S. Treasury emphasized that the sanctions highlight the requirement for Rwanda to engage in negotiations under the Angola-led Luanda Process to resolve the DRC conflict.
Rwanda has persistently denied allegations of providing military support to the M23, rejecting claims made by the U.N. and other nations. The Rwandan government accuses the DRC of harboring the FDLR, a militia linked to the 1994 genocide, while the DRC has accused Rwanda of expansionist motives and resource exploitation.
In related developments, Germany lodged a protest against Rwanda, summoning the Rwandan ambassador over the continued military advances of M23 in eastern DRC. Germany’s Federal Foreign Office emphasized the need for Rwanda to uphold DRC’s sovereignty and urged necessary dialogues with M23 while taking Rwanda’s security concerns into account.
The ongoing conflict has led to significant refugee movement, with approximately 30,000 people fleeing to Burundi to escape the violence initiated by M23 forces. Reports indicate that children have suffered greatly, with the U.N. human rights office acknowledging summary executions committed by M23 fighters in recent weeks.
In summary, the U.S. sanctions against Rwandan Minister James Kabarebe and Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston emphasize the international community’s growing concern regarding Rwanda’s support for M23 rebels in the DRC. The humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, prompting significant refugee flows into Burundi. Global reactions, including Germany’s diplomatic protests, highlight rising tensions and the need for effective dialogue to address the conflict in the region.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
