The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on a Rwandan government minister, James Kabarebe, for his alleged support of the M23 armed group fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, escalating pressure to end the conflict destabilizing the region.
The M23, with alleged support from the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF), has made significant territorial gains in recent weeks, seizing key cities and prompting warnings from the United Nations Security Council about a potential regional war. Eastern DRC has been plagued by conflict for decades, with various armed groups vying for control of territory and resources. Rwanda has long been accused of backing various armed groups in the DRC, allegations it denies.
The US Treasury Department designated Kabarebe, accusing him of being “central” to Rwanda’s support for the M23.
The Treasury statement said Kabarebe acts as a liaison to the M23 and “orchestrates RDF support for the armed group.” Crucially, it added that he “has coordinated the export of extracted minerals from mining sites in the DRC for eventual export from Rwanda.” Control of these lucrative mineral resources is a key driver of the conflict, providing funding for armed groups to continue fighting.
Yolande Makolo, a spokesperson for the Rwandan government, called the sanctions “unjustified and unfounded,” adding that the international community should support regional peace efforts.
The Treasury also sanctioned Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston, a member of the M23 and another group known as the Congo River Alliance, along with two of his companies.
The US is calling on Rwanda to end its support for the M23 and withdraw its troops from the DRC, and urging both Rwanda and the DRC to hold accountable those responsible for human rights violations. The effectiveness of the sanctions in altering Rwanda’s behavior remains to be seen, with analysts suggesting that further diplomatic and economic pressure may be necessary to achieve a lasting peace in the region.