The United States has announced sanctions against two individuals and two entities linked to escalating violence and severe human rights abuses in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The latest measures target:
- James Kabarebe, Rwanda’s Minister of State for Regional Integration, for his role in supporting militant activity.
- Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston, spokesperson for the M23 rebel group and the Congo River Alliance, both of which have fueled instability in the region.
- Kingston Fresh and Kingston Holding, two companies owned by Kingston, which have been used to finance militant operations.
Rwanda-Backed Aggression in Eastern DRC
Since mid-December 2024, the Rwanda-supported M23 rebel group has dramatically expanded its territorial control in the DRC. On January 27, 2025, M23 forces seized Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, followed by the capture of Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu, on February 16, 2025. This aggressive advance has not only violated the DRC’s sovereignty but also led to:
- Widespread displacement of civilians
- Targeted killings and human rights violations
- The deaths of three UN peacekeepers, with several others wounded
- A growing risk of regional conflict involving neighboring nations
Call for De-Escalation and Diplomatic Resolution
The United States is urging Rwanda to return to diplomatic negotiations under the Angola-led Luanda Process, which is crucial to ending hostilities and restoring stability. U.S. officials have demanded the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan Defense Force troops from DRC territory and a complete halt to Rwanda’s support for M23—a group already sanctioned by both the U.S. government and the United Nations.
Furthermore, Washington is calling on both Rwanda and the DRC to hold accountable all individuals responsible for human rights abuses. The ongoing violence jeopardizes economic growth, discourages foreign investment, and hampers regional stability—negatively impacting not only the people of the DRC and Rwanda but also U.S. business interests in Africa.
Sanctions and Legal Actions
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has taken these actions under Executive Order (E.O.) 13413, as amended by E.O. 13671. These sanctions freeze the assets of the designated individuals and entities, blocking them from accessing the U.S. financial system.
For further details on the U.S. sanctions, please refer to the Treasury Department’s official statement.