The Rwandan government has strongly criticized the United States for imposing sanctions on its Minister of State for Regional Integration, James Kabarebe, over alleged involvement in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The US Treasury Department announced the sanctions on Thursday, claiming Kabarebe played a key role in Rwanda’s backing of the M23 rebel group.

Also sanctioned was Lawrence Kanyuka, the M23 spokesperson, along with two companies he reportedly controls in the UK and France. The move has further strained relations between Rwanda and Western nations, with the UK also warning of “consequences” over Rwanda’s alleged interference in the DRC conflict.

In response, Rwanda’s foreign ministry dismissed the sanctions as “unfounded” and insisted they would not contribute to resolving the long-standing conflict in eastern DRC. The ministry argued that Kigali’s primary focus remains securing its borders and preventing what it calls “armed ethnic extremism” in the region.

“Rwandans have the right to live in peace, free from the persistent threat of insecurity emanating from the DRC,” the statement read. The ministry also criticized punitive actions like sanctions, saying they fail to promote peace and stability in the Great Lakes region.

The sanctions come at a critical time, as M23 rebels continue to make significant territorial gains in eastern DRC. The group, largely composed of ethnic Tutsis, recently seized the strategic cities of Goma and Bukavu, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis.

Western nations, including the US and UK, accuse Rwanda of providing military and logistical support to M23, a charge Kigali has consistently denied. The US Treasury Department justified its sanctions by stating that both Kabarebe and Kanyuka were directly linked to violence and human rights violations in the region.

“Today’s action highlights our commitment to holding accountable key figures enabling M23’s destabilizing activities,” said Bradley Smith, Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.

The DRC government welcomed the sanctions, urging more international action to pressure Rwanda into withdrawing its forces. Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya called for additional sanctions from the UN, the European Union, and other global partners.

“This is just the beginning. We want tougher measures that will force Rwanda to halt its military activities and withdraw from our territory,” Muyaya stated.

At the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in South Africa, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy denounced Rwanda’s alleged role in the conflict, calling it a violation of international law that could escalate into a broader regional crisis. Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira also condemned recent attacks on UN and regional peacekeeping forces operating in the DRC.

Meanwhile, China took a neutral stance, reaffirming its belief that African nations should address their own challenges without external interference.

The situation in eastern DRC remains volatile, with fears of an expanding conflict that could draw in neighboring countries. While Rwanda maintains its stance that it seeks only to secure its borders, growing international pressure suggests that the diplomatic rift between Kigali and Western nations is far from over.

As calls for tougher sanctions increase, it remains to be seen how Rwanda will navigate these rising tensions while balancing regional security concerns.