On Thursday, the U.S. took action by imposing sanctions on a Rwandan minister, James Kabarebe, over his alleged involvement in the escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Kabarebe, Rwanda’s Minister for Regional Integration, is accused of aiding the M23 rebel group, which has been fighting the Congolese army and capturing critical territories, including two major cities.
Alongside Kabarebe, the U.S. also sanctioned Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston, a spokesperson for the M23 rebels, as well as two companies connected to him that are registered in France and the United Kingdom.
The M23 rebels are one of many armed factions vying for control over eastern Congo’s vast mineral resources. The group’s rapid expansion has seen them take control of Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, in just three weeks. On Sunday, they also captured Bukavu, the second-largest city in the region.
The U.S. government has urged Rwanda to cease its support for the M23 and to withdraw its troops from Congo. U.N. experts estimate that around 4,000 Rwandan soldiers are currently deployed in the region.
“The leaders of Rwanda to end their support for M23” and withdraw all Rwandan troops from Congo. U.N. experts say there are about 4,000 troops from Rwanda in Congo.
A statement from U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce called for both Congo and Rwanda to ensure accountability for those responsible for human rights abuses in the conflict.
Kabarebe, a retired military officer, is said to be involved in the M23 rebels’ management of mineral resources taken from eastern Congo, including overseeing their export.
Bradley T. Smith, acting undersecretary of the U.S. Treasury, emphasized that these sanctions are part of efforts to hold responsible those in positions of power, such as Kabarebe and Kanyuka, for their roles in the ongoing violence.
“Today’s action underscores our intent to hold accountable key officials and leaders like Kabarebe and Kanyuka,” said Bradley T. Smith, an acting undersecretary of the Treasury.
Since the M23 offensive began on January 26, more than 700 lives have been lost, and nearly 3,000 people have been injured in Goma and surrounding areas.