The United States has announced new sanctions against a Rwandan minister and a senior leader of the M23 rebel group for their alleged role in the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The US accuses Rwanda of backing M23, which has recently captured key cities in the region, worsening the humanitarian crisis and increasing concerns about political instability in DRC.

A spokesperson from the US State Department, Tammy Bruce, stated that Rwanda’s support for M23 has violated DRC’s territorial integrity.

She urged Rwanda to stop its involvement and return to peace talks led by Angola. She also warned that the violence could spread into a larger regional conflict.

The US Treasury Department imposed financial sanctions on James Kabarebe, Rwanda’s Minister of State for Regional Integration and a retired general.

Kabarebe is accused of organizing Rwanda’s support for M23 and managing financial operations that fund the group through mineral exports from DRC.

In addition to Kabarebe, the US also sanctioned Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston, a top M23 leader and spokesperson, along with two businesses he owns in the UK and France.

The US has already sanctioned M23 since 2013 due to human rights violations, including attacks on civilians and the use of child soldiers.

Rwanda has denied these allegations, arguing that it is protecting itself from a Hutu militia that fights alongside the Congolese military.

Yolande Makolo, a Rwandan government spokesperson, criticized the US sanctions, calling them unfair and ineffective in bringing peace to the region.

Meanwhile, the DRC government welcomed the sanctions and called for stronger actions from the United Nations, the European Union, and other global partners.

DRC government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya stated that these measures are necessary to pressure Rwanda into withdrawing its troops and stopping its involvement in DRC’s conflict.

The situation in eastern DRC remains tense as international efforts continue to find a peaceful solution.