The United States has imposed sanctions on two individuals and two entities associated with violence and human rights abuses in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This move includes targeting Rwanda’s Minister of State for Regional Integration, James Kabarebe, and M23 and Congo River Alliance spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston. Additionally, two companies owned by Kanyuka, Kingston Fresh and Kingston Holding, are also sanctioned.
Since mid-December 2024, the armed group M23, supported by Rwanda, has expanded its influence in DRC territory. They captured North Kivu's provincial capital Goma on January 27 and South Kivu's provincial capital Bukavu on February 16. This expansion has compromised the DRC's territorial integrity. With backing from Rwanda, this aggression has led to threats against civilians, injuries, fatalities among thousands of innocent people, the deaths of three UN peacekeepers, and injuries to several others. The ongoing violence poses a risk of escalating into a wider regional conflict.
The U.S. emphasizes the importance of Rwanda returning to negotiations under the Angola-led Luanda Process to resolve the conflict in eastern DRC. "The United States calls on the leaders of Rwanda to end their support for M23," which is already designated by both the U.S. and UN as a concern. The U.S. also urges "the Governments of Rwanda and the DRC to hold accountable those responsible for human rights violations and abuses." Continued conflict hinders economic development and deters U.S. businesses from investing in both countries.
These actions were taken by the Department of Treasury under Executive Order (E.O.) 13413 as amended by E.O. 13671.
For further details about today's action, refer to Treasury’s press release.
