The US has imposed sanctions on Rwandan Minister of State for Regional Integration James Kabarebe and M23 rebel group spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston over their alleged involvement in escalating violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced the sanctions on Thursday, targeting two companies with links to Kingston: Kingston Fresh, a UK-based food services company, and Kingston Holding, a French mining consultancy.
According to Washington, the M23 group has expanded its territorial control in the DRC since December, capturing key cities such as Goma and Bukavu. The US has called on Rwanda to withdraw its forces from the DRC and engage in diplomatic negotiations under the Luanda Process led by Angola.
The ongoing conflict, which has escalated since January 26, has resulted in more than 3,000 deaths, nearly 3,000 injuries and the displacement of more than 500,000 people, according to UN figures, adding to the 6.4 million already displaced. In addition, at least 20 peacekeepers, including 14 South Africans, have been killed in clashes between M23 rebels and Congolese forces.