Rwanda has strongly criticized the recent U.S. sanctions on its Minister of State for Regional Integration, James Kabarebe. The U.S. Treasury Department imposed the sanctions, alleging that Kabarebe played a key role in supporting the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

During an official response, Rwanda’s foreign ministry dismissed the sanctions as “unjustified and counterproductive.” The government denied any links to M23 and accused the U.S. of undermining regional peace efforts. Officials also expressed frustration over the international community’s failure to address the root causes of the conflict.

Moreover, the U.S. sanctioned Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston, M23’s spokesperson, along with two companies linked to him in Britain and France. These measures aim to punish individuals and entities fueling instability in eastern DRC.

The M23 rebels have seized key cities, including Goma and Bukavu. Their attacks have resulted in over 700 deaths and displaced thousands of civilians. The violence continues to escalate, worsening humanitarian conditions.

Meanwhile, the U.S. has urged Rwanda to stop backing the rebels and withdraw any troops from the DRC. Reports estimate around 4,000 Rwandan soldiers are in the region, a claim Rwanda denies. The government insists its actions are defensive, aimed at neutralizing threats from Hutu militias near the border.

This dispute has heightened tensions between Rwanda and the U.S. It has also worsened instability in the Great Lakes region. The international community continues to push for dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.