The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has announced sanctions against James Kabarebe, Rwanda’s Minister of State for Regional Integration, and Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston, a senior member and spokesperson for the March 23 Movement (M23) and Congo River Alliance. The sanctions are in response to their roles in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
James Kabarebe is identified as a key figure in supporting M23, an armed group involved in territorial expansion and human rights abuses in eastern DRC. "Today’s action underscores our intent to hold accountable key officials and leaders like Kabarebe and Kanyuka," stated Bradley T. Smith, Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.
Kabarebe has been instrumental in coordinating support from the Rwanda Defense Force (RDF) for M23, managing revenue generation from mineral resources extracted from DRC mining sites. He is sanctioned under Executive Order 13413 for actions threatening peace and stability in DRC.
M23 has been active since 2012, reemerging with RDF assistance in late 2021 after initial defeat by Congolese forces with UN support. Their activities have led to significant civilian displacement and control over critical areas like Goma and Bukavu.
Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston serves as M23's spokesperson and public relations officer for the Congo River Alliance. His companies, Kingston Fresh LTD based in the UK and Kingston Holding in France, are also sanctioned under E.O. 13413.
As a result of these sanctions, any property or interests owned by these individuals within U.S. jurisdiction are blocked. Transactions involving designated persons are generally prohibited unless authorized by OFAC.
OFAC emphasizes that its sanctions aim to encourage positive behavioral changes rather than punish individuals or entities outright.
