The Rwandan government has strongly condemned the United States’ decision to impose financial sanctions on James Kabarebe, its Minister of State for Regional Integration, over alleged links to the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).
The US Treasury Department announced the sanctions on Thursday, accusing Kabarebe—a former army chief—of being central to Rwanda’s support for the M23 rebel group.
Also sanctioned was Lawrence Kanyuka, the M23’s spokesman, along with two companies he controls in Britain and France.
Responding to the move, Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed the allegations, calling the sanctions “unjustified and unfounded,” and stating that they would not contribute to resolving the conflict in DR Congo.
The sanctions come as the M23 rebels continue their military advances, capturing key cities such as Goma and Bukavu in DR Congo’s mineral-rich east.
The group, predominantly made up of ethnic Tutsis, has been accused of causing widespread displacement and a growing humanitarian crisis.
Western nations, including the United Kingdom and the United States, have accused Rwanda of providing military support to the M23, including arms and backing from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).
Rwanda has consistently denied these allegations, maintaining that its priority is securing its borders and preventing ethnic extremism in the region.
“The right of Rwandans to live in peace and without the perpetual threat of insecurity originating from the DRC cannot be compromised,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.
“Punitive measures, including sanctions, make no contribution toward long-term security, peace, and stability for the Great Lakes region.”
The US Treasury justified the sanctions, stating that Kabarebe and Kanyuka were directly linked to violence and human rights abuses in DR Congo.
“Today’s action underscores our intent to hold accountable key officials and leaders like Kabarebe and Kanyuka, who are enabling the RDF and M23’s destabilizing activities in eastern DRC,” said Bradley Smith, Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.
Meanwhile, DR Congo’s government welcomed the US sanctions, calling for further measures from international bodies, including the UN Security Council and the European Union.
“This marks the beginning of a long series of sanctions that we want to be more robust, in order to force Rwanda to withdraw its troops and cease its criminal activities on our soil,” said government spokesman Patrick Muyaya.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, speaking at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in South Africa on Friday, called Rwanda’s reported military involvement a “blatant breach of the UN Charter,” warning of the risk of regional escalation.
Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira also condemned attacks on UN peacekeeping forces in DR Congo, while China reiterated its position of supporting African-led solutions and opposing external interference.