Rwanda brands US sanctions against Minister of State James Kabarebe as “unjustified and unfounded”
Rwanda argued that punitive measures would not help resolve the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Rwandan government has dismissed sanctions imposed by the United States on Minister of State for Regional Integration James Kabarebe, calling them "unjustified and unfounded."
In a statement, Rwanda argued that punitive measures would not help resolve the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where fighting between various 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.
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The US Treasury Department announced the sanctions on Thursday, alleging that Kabarebe was "central to Rwanda's support" for the M23 armed group, which is engaged in clashes in eastern DRC.
The sanctions also targeted Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston, a spokesperson for the Congo River Alliance, as well as two companies linked to him in the UK and France.
The US accused the individuals and entities of being "linked to violence and human rights abuses" in the region.
Securing borders
However, Rwanda maintains that its only objective is securing its border and ending what it describes as "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 criticised what it called international inaction against the DRC's alleged alliances with armed groups such as the FDLR, a militia founded by Hutus who took part 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 said.
The Rwandan Government also warned that foreign interference would only prolong instability.
"Punitive measures, including sanctions, make no contribution toward long-term security, peace, and stability for all the countries of the Great Lakes region," it stated.
Rwanda urged the international community to support African-led mediation efforts instead, pointing to the role of the East African Community (EAC), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the African Union (AU) in peace negotiations.
The statement concluded, "This is the only credible pathway to a negotiated solution, and Rwanda is fully committed to it. "
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