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The United States has imposed sanctions on a top Rwandan official over the ongoing civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo, resulting in condemnation from the Rwandan government.
Some shit you should know before you read: Back in 2012, the M23 rebels broke off from the Congolese army, accusing the government of failing to honor a peace agreement, and have since been involved in the ongoing civil war in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The conflict is rooted in ethnic tensions, political power struggles, and control over the region’s vast mineral wealth, including trillions of dollars worth of rare earth materials such as coltan, gold, and tin. Rwanda is accused of backing M23 by providing military support, weapons, and logistical assistance, allegedly profiting from the illegal export of these minerals. However, Rwanda denies any involvement, insisting its actions are focused on securing its border from armed groups operating within DRC. M23 has been accused of severe human rights abuses, including mass executions, recruitment of child soldiers, rape, and widespread violence against civilians, leading to mass displacements and a dire humanitarian crisis.
What’s going on now: Yesterday, the United States Treasury rolled out sanctions targeting Rwanda’s Minister of State for Regional Integration, James Kabarebe, and M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston, accusing them of supporting the M23 rebel group involved in violence and human rights abuses in the eastern DRC. The sanctions also affected two companies linked to Kanyuka in the UK and France. Announcing the measures, Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Bradley T. Smith, said, “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 the eastern DRC.”
The US also demanded that Rwanda end its support for M23 and withdraw its troops from DRC, which received support from the DRC.
In response, Rwanda dismissed the sanctions as “unjustified and unfounded,” arguing that its actions were solely for national security and border protection. The Rwandan government added, “Punitive measures, including sanctions, make no contribution toward long-term security, peace, and stability for all the countries of the Great Lakes region.”
China also weighed in on the situation, with a spokesman for China’s Foreign Ministry saying, “China firmly supports the African people in independently resolving African problems and opposes external interference in the internal affairs of African countries.”
