The United States has imposed sanctions on Rwanda’s Minister of State for Regional Integration, James Kabarebe, and Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston, a senior member of the M23 rebel group, over their roles in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced the sanctions, citing Kabarebe’s central role in Rwanda’s support for the M23, a group that has been linked to human rights abuses and destabilizing activities in eastern DRC.
“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,” said Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith.
Kabarebe, a former Rwandan general, has been accused of orchestrating Rwanda’s military support for the M23, which has captured key cities, including Goma and Bukavu, and seized control of critical mineral resources.
The M23’s advances have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the region, displacing millions of people and leading to widespread human rights abuses.
OFAC also sanctioned Kanyuka, a key figure in the M23 and the Congo River Alliance, for his role in perpetuating the group’s messaging strategy and conducting media and diplomatic outreach.
Kanyuka’s companies, Kingston Fresh and Kingston Holding, were also sanctioned by OFAC.
The sanctions block all property and interests in property of the designated individuals and entities, and prohibit US persons from engaging in transactions with them.
“The United States remains committed to ensuring a peaceful resolution to this conflict,” said Smith.
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