Rwanda has strongly criticized the United States after Washington imposed financial sanctions on a Rwandan minister, accusing him of supporting the M23 rebel group operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The sanctions, announced by the US Treasury Department on Thursday, targeted James Kabarebe, Rwanda’s Minister of State for Regional Integration, as well as Lawrence Kanyuka, the M23’s spokesperson, and two companies linked to him in Britain and France.
The US Treasury said Kabarebe was a key figure in Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23, which has been advancing in eastern DRC, seizing major cities such as Goma and Bukavu in recent weeks. The conflict has worsened an already dire humanitarian crisis in the region, displacing thousands of civilians.
In response, Rwanda’s foreign ministry dismissed the allegations, calling them “unjustified and unfounded.” It argued that such punitive measures would not contribute to long-term peace in the Great Lakes region. Kigali insists that its primary focus is securing its borders and putting an end to ethnic extremism in the region.
“Rwandans have the right to live in peace and without the perpetual threat of insecurity originating from the DRC,” the ministry said in a statement. “Punitive measures, including sanctions, make no contribution toward long-term security, peace, and stability for all the countries of the Great Lakes region.”
Meanwhile, DR Congo welcomed the US sanctions, calling for further international action against Rwanda. Government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said on social media that Kinshasa wants “more robust” measures from the UN Security Council, the European Union, and other global partners to pressure Rwanda to withdraw its troops from Congolese territory.
The diplomatic fallout continued on Friday, with the UK warning Rwanda of “consequences” for its alleged involvement in the DRC conflict. Addressing the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in South Africa, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned Rwanda’s reported military actions in eastern DRC, calling it a “blatant breach of the UN Charter” that risks escalating into a regional crisis.
China, taking a neutral stance, reiterated its position against external interference in African affairs, while Brazil condemned attacks on UN forces and regional peacekeepers in the DRC.
With tensions escalating, international stakeholders continue to push for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis. However, with Rwanda rejecting the accusations and the M23 continuing its offensive, the conflict in eastern DRC remains far from a peaceful resolution.
