The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on a Rwandan government minister, accusing him of supporting the M23 armed group that has been making significant territorial gains in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The US Treasury Department announced the sanctions against James Kabarebe, Rwanda’s Minister for Regional Integration, alleging that he has been central to Rwanda’s support for the M23 rebellion.
The M23, reportedly backed by the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF), has recently captured key cities, including Goma and Bukavu, raising alarms at the United Nations Security Council and fueling fears of broader regional conflict.
Kabarebe “is a Rwandan government liaison to M23 and orchestrates RDF support for the armed group,” the Treasury stated. It also accused him of facilitating the smuggling of minerals extracted from the DRC for export through Rwanda.
Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo dismissed the sanctions as unjustified and unfounded, arguing that they undermine regional diplomatic efforts.
The US Treasury also sanctioned Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston, a member of both M23 and the Congo River Alliance, along with two of his companies, as part of efforts to hold accountable individuals “enabling the RDF and M23’s destabilising activities in the eastern DRC,” said acting Treasury Under Secretary Bradley Smith.
In a separate statement on Thursday, February 20, 2025, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce urged Rwanda to “end its support for M23” and withdraw its troops from the DRC.
She also called on both Rwanda and the DRC to ensure accountability for those responsible for human rights violations.
The fighting in eastern DRC has exacerbated tensions between Kigali and Kinshasa, with Congolese officials repeatedly accusing Rwanda of backing M23, an allegation Rwanda denies.
The ongoing violence has displaced thousands of civilians and intensified diplomatic efforts to find a political solution.
