The U.S. Treasury Department has sanctioned Rwanda’s Minister of State for Regional Integration, Gen. (Rtd) James Kabarebe, for his alleged role in fueling the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The move, announced on Thursday, places Kabarebe among a list of African figures previously blacklisted by the U.S., including Nelson Mandela during his fight for justice.
According to the Treasury’s statement, Kabarebe was sanctioned due to his central role in Rwanda’s reported support for the M23 rebel group, which has been accused of committing human rights violations in eastern DRC.
Alongside Kabarebe, the U.S. also sanctioned Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston, a senior member and spokesperson of the M23 and the Congo River Alliance. The sanctions extend to two companies controlled by Kingston in Britain and France, highlighting alleged international financial networks backing the armed group.
James Kabarebe, a key figure in Rwanda’s security apparatus, played a pivotal role in the 1996-1997 rebellion that led to the fall of former Zairean dictator Mobutu Sese Seko. His military career has seen him serve as the Rwandan Defense Minister and a senior adviser to President Paul Kagame before assuming his current ministerial position.
The U.S. sanctions include asset freezes and restrictions on financial transactions, limiting the individuals’ and entities’ ability to operate in global financial markets. Washington’s move comes amid increasing international scrutiny over Rwanda’s alleged involvement in the conflict in eastern Congo, accusations that Kigali has repeatedly denied.
The Rwandan government has not yet issued an official response to the sanctions, but the development is expected to further strain relations between Kigali and Washington, as well as intensify regional tensions over the protracted crisis in the Great Lakes region.
