By Watera Atai,
KIGALI
The Rwandan government has strongly rejected sanctions imposed by the United States on Minister of State for Regional Integration James Kabarebe, calling them “unjustified and unfounded.”
In a statement issued Friday, Rwanda argued that punitive measures would not resolve the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where fighting between armed groups has displaced thousands.
“If sanctions could resolve conflict in eastern DRC, we would have had peace in the region decades ago,” the statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs read.
The US Treasury Department announced the sanctions on Thursday, accusing Kabarebe of being “central to Rwanda’s support” for the M23 rebel group, which has been engaged in clashes with Congolese forces. The US also sanctioned Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston, a spokesperson for the Congo River Alliance, along with two UK- and France-based companies linked to him.
Washington alleges that these individuals and entities are “linked to violence and human rights abuses” in the region.
However, Rwanda maintains that its actions are solely aimed at securing its borders and countering “armed ethnic extremism” in the Great Lakes region.
“Rwandans have the right to live in peace and without the perpetual threat of insecurity originating from the DRC,” the government said.
Rwanda also accused the international community of failing to address the alleged alliances between the DRC government and armed groups such as the FDLR, a militia founded by Hutu extremists involved in the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
“The conflict along Rwanda’s western border has involved hostile forces that have not been sanctioned. These include the Congolese armed forces (FARDC), fighting alongside SAMIDRC troops, Burundian troops, the FDLR genocidal militia, and European mercenaries,” the statement added.
The Rwandan government warned that foreign interference, including sanctions, would only prolong instability.
“Punitive measures make no contribution toward long-term security, peace, and stability for all the countries of the Great Lakes region.”
Instead of sanctions, Rwanda urged the international community to support African-led peace efforts, highlighting the roles of the East African Community (EAC), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the African Union (AU) in mediation efforts.
“This is the only credible pathway to a negotiated solution, and Rwanda is fully committed to it,” the statement concluded.
As tensions between Rwanda and the DRC remain high, regional and international actors continue to push for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis.
