The Rwandan government has criticized US financial sanctions against its Minister James Kabarebe, who is linked to the M23 rebel group’s activities in the DRC. The US Treasury Department’s actions are based on allegations of human rights abuses and destabilizing support for the rebels. Rwanda has denounced these measures, while the DRC government calls for further sanctions against Rwanda.
The Rwandan government has denounced recent financial sanctions imposed by the United States against its Minister of State for Regional Integration, James Kabarebe, who is alleged to have a significant role in supporting the M23 rebel group. Accompanying Kabarebe on the sanctions list is Lawrence Kanyuka, the spokesperson for M23, and two companies he oversees, which operate in Britain and France.
The US Treasury Department accused Kabarebe of being central to Rwanda’s backing of the M23, reiterating that these actions are linked to ongoing human rights violations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Bradley Smith, the acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, emphasized the US commitment to holding accountable those enabling destabilizing actions in the DRC.
Rwanda’s foreign ministry has labeled the sanctions as “unjustified and unfounded,” asserting that such measures would not resolve the conflict in the DRC. The ministry stated that Rwanda’s efforts are aimed at securing its borders and curbing the influence of armed ethnic extremism.
The DRC welcomed the sanctions, calling for increased measures against Rwanda to ensure the withdrawal of Rwandan troops and the cessation of their activities in Congolese territory. Government spokesman Patrick Muyaya expressed the hope for robust sanctions from international bodies to pressure Rwanda.
In discussions at the G20 summit, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy referred to Rwanda’s alleged involvement as a breach of the UN Charter that could escalate into a regional conflict. Simultaneously, Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira condemned recent attacks on UN and regional peacekeeping forces. Meanwhile, China reiterated its stance against external interference in African affairs.
In summary, the tensions between Kenya and Rwanda are escalating due to US sanctions aimed at key government officials allegedly linked to conflict in the DRC. The Rwandan government disputes the effectiveness of these sanctions, claiming they do not contribute to resolving the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The DRC government, meanwhile, supports further international pressure on Rwanda, while international actors discuss the implications of Rwanda’s actions within the broader regional context.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
