Goma, DRC – The United States on Thursday sanctioned the Rwandan government minister for regional integration, James Kabarebe, for his alleged role in the conflict raging in neighbouring Congo.
The sanctions come amid reports that Rwanda-backed rebels, led by the M23 group, are intensifying their offensive against the Congolese army—capturing key territory including two major cities.
In addition to Kabarebe, the U.S. targeted Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston, a spokesperson for the M23 rebels, and two companies linked to Kanyuka registered in Britain and France.
The M23 rebels, considered the most prominent among over 100 armed groups fighting for control of eastern Congo’s vast mineral wealth, have expanded their territorial control following a swift three-week offensive. The group recently seized control of Goma—the main city in eastern Congo—and Bukavu, the country’s second-largest city.
U.S. officials have urged “the leaders of Rwanda to end their support for M23” and to withdraw all Rwandan troops from Congo, where United Nations experts estimate about 4,000 Rwandan troops are currently present.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement, “The U.S. also calls on Congo and Rwanda’s governments to hold accountable those responsible for human rights violations and abuses.”
The U.S. announcement further alleged that Kabarebe, a retired military officer now serving as minister, has been liaising with the M23 rebels and managing the revenue and export of minerals that the rebels have procured in eastern Congo.
“Today’s action underscores our intent to hold accountable key officials and leaders like Kabarebe and Kanyuka,” said Bradley T. Smith, an acting undersecretary of the Treasury.
Since the start of the rebel offensive on Goma on January 26, more than 700 people have been killed and nearly 3,000 wounded in the city and its vicinity, according to officials. The unfolding crisis highlights the deepening regional instability and the complex interplay between mineral wealth and armed conflict in eastern Congo.
As international pressure mounts, U.S. sanctions mark a significant step in the broader effort to curb external support for armed groups in the region and restore stability in the conflict-ridden area.
