Rwanda has strongly opposed recent U.S. sanctions imposed on its Minister of State for Regional Integration, General (Rtd) James Kabarebe, labeling them as unjustified and ineffective in addressing the ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Kabarebe along with M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kingston, citing allegations of their involvement in supporting M23 rebels and committing human rights violations in eastern DRC.
In response, Rwandan Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo dismissed the sanctions as an ineffective approach to conflict resolution, stating, that sanctions is not to only solution to achieving peace.
She urged the international community to back diplomatic efforts rather than impose punitive measures.
Makolo reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to seeking a peaceful resolution, emphasizing the need for sustained regional dialogue, including initiatives like the Luanda Process, despite its current challenges.
The U.S. sanctions target individuals allegedly responsible for destabilizing activities in the DRC. Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Bradley T. Smith, asserted that the sanctions aim to hold key figures accountable for their role in the crisis.
