The US Treasury Department announced the financial penalties on Rwanda's Minister of State for Regional Integration, James Kabarebe, accusing him of being instrumental in Rwanda's alleged support for the M23 rebel group in the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Kabarebe, a former Army Chief, is among several individuals targeted by the sanctions. The US government also imposed restrictions on Lawrence Kanyuka, the Spokesperson for the M23, as well as two companies he controls in the United Kingdom and France. The sanctions come amid ongoing violence in the region, with the M23 making significant territorial gains, including the capture of the key cities of Goma and Bukavu. These developments have triggered a devastating humanitarian crisis, with countless families caught in the crossfire.

The Rwandan Foreign Ministry has rejected the sanctions, labelling them as “unjustified and unfounded.” In a statement, the Ministry argued that such measures would not resolve the crisis in the DRC and only serve to escalate tensions in the region.

“The sanctions imposed by the US will not solve the conflict in the DRC,” a Spokesperson for the Ministry remarked. “They are unjustified and unfounded.”

--ChannelAfrica--