Rwanda’s Minister James Kabere sanctioned by the United States for the violence in DR Congo

The United States is sanctioning two individuals and two entities linked to violence and human rights abuses in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. 

This action, according to the US Department of State Spokesperson, Tammy Bruce, includes designation of Rwanda’s Minister of State for Regional Integration, James Kabarebe, as well as the March 23 movement and the Congo River Alliance spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston.

The sanctions also apply to the two of Kanyuka’s companies, Kingston Fresh and Kingston Holding.

Since mid-December 2024, the Rwanda-backed armed group M23 has expanded its control through DR Congo territory, seizing the North Kivu provincial capital of Goma on January 27 and the South Kivu provincial capital of Bukavu on February 16. 

“This aggression has undermined the territorial integrity of the DR Congo.  With Rwanda’s support, it has also threatened, injured, killed, and displaced thousands of innocent civilians, cost the lives of three United Nations (UN) peacekeepers and wounded several others.” Says the Department statement.

The report adds that, this violence risks escalating into a broader regional conflict.

“Today’s action underscores the need for Rwanda to return to negotiations under the Angola-led Luanda Process to achieve a resolution to the conflict in eastern DR Congo.  The United States calls on the leaders of Rwanda to end their support for M23,” the U.S Department maintains.

The rebel group itself has already designated by both the United States and the United Nations.

The U.S calls upon Kigali to withdraw all Rwandan Defense Force troops from DRC territory. 

“We call on Rwanda to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DR Congo.  We also urge the Governments of Rwanda and the DRC to hold accountable those responsible for human rights violations and abuses.”

The persistence of conflict impedes economic development and dissuades businesses in the United States from investing in both Rwanda and the DR Congo, which according to the U.S Department, should be a loss for the Eastern African region and the American people.

The Department of the Treasury took actions pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13413, as amended by E.O. 13671.