The United States Department of State announced today the imposition of sanctions on two individuals and two entities tied to violence and human rights abuses in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The action targets Rwanda’s Minister of State for Regional Integration, James Kabarebe, and Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston, spokesperson for the M23 armed group and the Congo River Alliance, as well as two of Kingston’s companies, Kingston Fresh and Kingston Holding.
The sanctions aim to hold accountable those responsible for destabilizing the region and perpetuating conflict.
READ: Florida Agriculture Commissioner Directs Name Change From ‘Gulf Of Mexico’ To ‘Gulf Of America’
Since mid-December 2024, the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group has expanded its control over DRC territory, capturing 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 DRC and resulted in widespread human suffering.
The violence has displaced thousands of civilians, caused numerous casualties, and claimed the lives of three United Nations peacekeepers, with several others wounded. The escalating conflict threatens to spiral into a broader regional crisis, further destabilizing Central Africa.
In a statement, Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce emphasized the need for Rwanda to cease its support for M23 and withdraw its troops from DRC territory.
“The United States calls on the leaders of Rwanda to end their support for M23 and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC,” Bruce said.
The U.S. also urged Rwanda and the DRC to return to negotiations under the Angola-led Luanda Process, a diplomatic initiative aimed at resolving the conflict in eastern DRC. Additionally, the State Department called on both governments to hold accountable those responsible for human rights violations and abuses.
The ongoing conflict has severe economic consequences, deterring U.S. businesses from investing in Rwanda and the DRC.
“The persistence of conflict impedes economic development and dissuades U.S. businesses from investing in both Rwanda and the DRC—a loss for the region and the American people,” Bruce noted.
The Department of the Treasury implemented the sanctions, targeting individuals and entities directly involved in perpetuating violence and human rights abuses.
The M23 armed group, already designated as a terrorist organization by both the United States and the United Nations, has long been a source of instability in the region. Rwanda’s alleged support for the group has drawn international condemnation and complicated efforts to achieve lasting peace.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.