The United States imposed sanctions on a Rwandan government minister on Thursday due to his alleged involvement in the ongoing conflict in neighboring Congo, where rebels supported by Rwanda are engaged in combat with the Congolese army and have gained control over additional territory, including two significant cities.
In addition to James Kabarebe, the Rwandan minister for regional integration, the U.S. also sanctioned Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston, a spokesperson for the M23 rebels. Furthermore, two companies associated with Kanyuka and registered in the United Kingdom and France were included in the sanctions.
The M23 rebels are the most notable among over 100 armed groups competing for dominance over eastern Congo’s vast mineral resources.
The rebels have experienced significant territorial gains following years of conflict, capturing the main city of Goma in a rapid three-week offensive and taking control of Bukavu, the second-largest city, on Sunday.
The U.S. has urged Rwandan leaders to cease their support for the M23 and withdraw all Rwandan military personnel from Congo. According to U.N. experts, approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops are currently present in Congo.
Tammy Bruce, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, stated that the U.S. also calls for both the Congolese and Rwandan governments to hold accountable those responsible for human rights violations and abuses.
The U.S. announcement indicated that Kabarebe, a retired military officer, has been coordinating with the M23 rebels and managing the revenue and export of minerals acquired by the Rwanda-backed insurgents in eastern Congo.
“Today’s action highlights our commitment to holding accountable key officials and leaders such as Kabarebe and Kanyuka,” remarked Bradley T. Smith, acting undersecretary of the Treasury.
Since the onset of the rebel offensive on Goma on January 26, officials report that over 700 individuals have lost their lives, and nearly 3,000 have sustained injuries in the city and surrounding areas.
