SA backs US sanctions on Rwandan minister
South Africa has backed the US decision to sanction Rwanda’s Minister of State for Regional Integration, James Kabarebe.
The US Treasury says Kabarebe played a key role in Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The US sanctions also targeted Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston, a senior member and spokesperson for the Congo River Alliance, which includes M23, along with two companies he controls in the UK and France.
International Relations spokesperson Chrispin Phiri says South Africa has always believed Rwanda backs the rebels.
STATEMENT ON U.S. DESIGNATION
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Int'l Cooperation (@RwandaMFA) February 20, 2025
Today’s designation of Minister of State James Kabarebe by OFAC is unjustified and unfounded. If sanctions could resolve conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), we would have had peace in the region decades ago.
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"South Africa has consistently stated that the conflict in the DRC, particularly involving M23, is supported by the Rwandan government. We've made this clear at the United Nations, as well as in multilateral forums like SADC, the AU, and the East African Community. The US sanctions are just one of many actions taken by nations in response to this issue.
"It’s important that no state supports the violation of another's territorial integrity and sovereignty—this is a principle the world should unite behind, and it remains South Africa's position.”
He added: "We continue to call for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the DRC and urge uninvited states to refrain from violating the country’s territorial integrity."
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