Rwanda has condemned U.S. sanctions against its Minister for Regional Integration and M23’s spokesman for alleged participation in DRC conflicts. Rwanda claims the sanctions are unjust and stress that they will not end the unrest. The DRC welcomes the sanctions, urging more international measures against Rwanda, while China defends African nations’ rights to resolve their internal matters without interference.
The Rwandan government has expressed strong disapproval of the U.S. imposition of sanctions on its Minister of State for Regional Integration, James Kabarebe, citing his alleged involvement in conflict-related activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The U.S. Treasury announced these sanctions, linking Kabarebe and M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka to the rebel group’s violence and human rights abuses, emphasizing their roles in destabilizing the eastern DRC.
Rwanda’s foreign ministry criticized the sanctions as “unjustified and unfounded,” asserting that such measures do not contribute to resolving the ongoing conflict in the DRC. The country contends that its primary objective is to secure its borders and eliminate the threat posed by armed ethnic extremism in the region, as the M23 continues to advance in eastern DRC, capturing significant cities like Goma and Bukavu, thus exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Western nations have accused Rwanda of supplying support, including arms, to the M23 group, allegations that the Rwandan government firmly denies. The U.S. Treasury’s sanctions aim to hold accountable those perceived to be facilitating the M23’s destabilizing activities, with U.S. officials affirming their commitment to a peaceful resolution in the region.
In response to the U.S. sanctions, the DRC welcomed the move, advocating for a robust continuation of such measures through the United Nations Security Council and the European Union, to pressure Rwanda to withdraw its forces. Simultaneously, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy termed the involvement of Rwandan troops as a breach of international law that risks escalating into a larger regional conflict.
China has voiced its stance, urging respect for African nations’ autonomy in resolving their internal issues and opposing foreign interference. Numerous angles from this ongoing situation highlight the complexity of the regional dynamics in the Great Lakes area and the diverging perspectives from various global actors on how to address the conflict effectively.
In summary, Rwanda has expressed discontent over U.S. sanctions aimed at its officials linked to conflicts in the DRC, asserting that such actions are unproductive. The sanctions come amid continued M23 advances and humanitarian crises in eastern DRC, with Western nations pressing Rwanda for accountability. Despite international pressures, Rwanda emphasizes its national security objectives and highlights the need for constructive engagement to attain long-term regional stability.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
