The US has sanctioned a Rwandan minister and an armed group official for their support of M23 rebels in the DRC, amid allegations of human rights violations. The sanctions aim to pressure Rwanda to engage in negotiations for conflict resolution. The humanitarian crisis has caused a mass exodus to Burundi, with both the UN and Germany condemning Rwanda’s actions and calling for protection of civilians.
The United States has imposed sanctions on a Rwandan government minister and a senior armed group official amid ongoing accusations that Rwanda is supporting M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The US Treasury Department announced that James Kabarebe, Rwanda’s Minister of State for Regional Integration, has been targeted due to his alleged involvement in facilitating assistance to the M23 group, which has sparked a humanitarian crisis leading to thousands fleeing into Burundi.
The sanctions also encompass Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston, a spokesperson for the Congo River Alliance, which includes the M23, along with two of his companies based in the United Kingdom and France. The Treasury emphasized that both individuals and associated entities are linked to acts of violence and human rights violations in the DRC, urging Rwanda to engage in negotiations to resolve the conflict.
Rwanda has consistently denied these allegations of military support for the M23 rebels, despite claims from the UN and other countries. In response, Rwanda accuses the DRC government of harboring the FDLR, a group implicated in the 1994 Rwandan genocide, while the DRC accuses Rwanda of exploiting its mineral resources. Reports indicate that 150 tonnes of coltan were fraudulently exported to Rwanda from DRC rebels earlier this year.
In a separate diplomatic action, Germany summoned Rwanda’s ambassador to Berlin, denouncing Rwanda’s support for the M23 militia’s actions in eastern DRC and calling for respect for DRC’s sovereignty. Germany’s Federal Foreign Office criticized the breach of international law, reinforcing the necessity for dialogue between the DRC and M23 with consideration for Rwanda’s security concerns.
The UN refugee agency reported that the ongoing conflict has resulted in a significant influx of refugees into Burundi, marking the largest such movement in 25 years, with approximately 30,000 fleeing the fighting. The situation remains dire, with reports of M23 fighters committing summary executions of children and evidence of underage combatants in the region. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has called on all parties to adhere to international humanitarian norms, highlighting the need for protection of civilians in conflict areas.
In summary, the United States has taken a strong stance against Rwandan officials involved with M23 rebels, attributing to them significant culpability in the conflict’s escalation. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, international diplomatic efforts intensify, with calls for Rwanda’s compliance with international norms and respect for the DRC’s territorial integrity. The situation calls for urgent attention to protect civilians affected by the conflict and to seek resolution through diplomatic negotiation.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
