U.S. Sanctions Rwandan Minister and M23 Spokesman Over DRC Conflict.

The United States has imposed sanctions on Rwanda’s Minister of State for Regional Integration, Gen (rtd) James Kabarebe, and M23 rebel group spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka over their alleged involvement in human rights abuses in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

According to a statement from the U.S. State Department, the sanctions come in response to the role both individuals are accused of playing in the ongoing conflict in the DRC. The statement alleges that Kabarebe and Kanyuka have been involved in serious violations of human rights, including violence against civilians.

The M23 rebel group itself has been under U.S. sanctions since 2013 for alleged violations of international law. The group has been accused of committing atrocities such as targeting children, killing and maiming civilians, and engaging in acts of sexual violence.

The eastern region of the DRC has long been plagued by instability, with M23 being one of several armed groups involved in the conflict. The group, which claims to be fighting for the rights of Congolese Tutsis, has been widely condemned for its brutal tactics.

The new sanctions reflect the U.S. government’s continued efforts to hold individuals and entities accountable for human rights abuses in the region. However, Rwanda has consistently denied involvement in supporting M23, despite repeated accusations from the DRC government and international organizations.

The sanctions are expected to further strain relations between the U.S. and Rwanda, as well as impact diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict in eastern Congo.

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