US sanctions top Rwandan official, M23 spokesperson over DRC conflict
The sanctions freeze all property and interests owned by Kabarebe and Kanyuka within the US and prohibit American individuals and businesses from engaging with them. Companies owned 50% or more by the sanctioned individuals are also affected.
The United States has imposed sanctions on James Kabarebe, Rwanda's Minister of State for Regional Integration, and Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for the M23 rebel group, over their roles in fueling the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The sanctions, announced by the US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), target Kabarebe for his central role in allegedly backing M23, an armed group accused of committing human rights violations and expanding its control over DRC's mineral-rich territories.
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The US also sanctioned Kanyuka, who serves as M23's spokesperson and a key figure in the US-sanctioned Congo River Alliance, as well as two of his companies, registered in the United Kingdom and France.
James Kabarebe, Rwanda's Minister of State for Regional Integration.
The US accuses Kabarebe of being a crucial link between the Rwanda Defense Force (RDF) and M23, facilitating military operations and revenue generation from illegal mineral extraction in the DRC. The Treasury Department describes him as a political and military figure central to conflicts in the DRC for over three decades.
"Kabarebe is a Rwandan government liaison to M23 and orchestrates RDF support for the armed group," the US Treasury stated. "He also manages much of Rwanda and M23's revenue from the DRC's mineral resources, overseeing the export of extracted minerals for trade through Rwanda."
Meanwhile, Kanyuka is accused of overseeing M23's media and diplomatic outreach, helping shape its public messaging while actively participating in efforts to destabilize the Congolese government. He also runs Kingston Fresh LTD, a UK-based food services company, and Kingston Holding, a France-based mining consultancy—both of which have now been sanctioned.
Rwanda has severally denied any links to the DRC conflict.
M23 has rapidly expanded its hold over parts of North and South Kivu, capturing Goma and Bukavu, key cities in the DRC. The group has reportedly engaged in human rights abuses, killings, attacks on civilians, and sexual violence, contributing to the mass displacement of Congolese people.
The situation escalated in January 2025, when M23 captured the provincial capital of North Kivu, Goma, and later took control of Kavumu Airport and Bukavu, a strategic hub in South Kivu. The developments have triggered regional instability and growing international condemnation.
"Today's action underscores our intent to hold accountable key officials and leaders like Kabarebe and Kanyuka, who are enabling the M23's destabilising activities in eastern DRC," said Bradley T. Smith, Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence at the U.S. Treasury.
Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for the M23 rebel group.
What the sanctions mean
The sanctions freeze all property and interests owned by Kabarebe and Kanyuka within the US and prohibit American individuals and businesses from engaging with them. Companies owned 50% or more by the sanctioned individuals are also affected.
Additionally, the move raises diplomatic stakes for Rwanda, a key US ally in the region, as Washington ramps up pressure over Kigali's role in the DRC war. This could also impact Rwanda's trade and security relations with the West.
With the US taking direct aim at Rwanda's top military figures, this marks a significant escalation in international pressure on Kigali. The move also signals Washington's growing concern over the mineral-fueled war, which threatens regional stability in the Great Lakes.
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