Rwandans support Gen. Kabarebe in the wake of US sanctions

Rwandans from all walks of life have shown their support for Gen. (Rtd) James Kabarebe in the wake of US sanctions due to his alleged involvement in the fighting in eastern DR Congo.

The Rwandan government contested the sanctioning of Kabarebe, the Minister of State for Regional Integration, by the US Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control on Thursday, February 20.

The government said in a statement that “if sanctions could resolve conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, we would have had peace in the region decades ago” and denounced the penalties as unwarranted and false.

The fighting along Rwanda’s western border has been going on for three years. During that time, hostile troops have shelled bombs on Rwandan territory on several occasions, killing some and hurting many. The most recent attacks killed 16 civilians and injured 177 more.

However, the forces did not get any sanction.

Alongside SAMIDRC troops, Burundian troops, the FDLR genocidal militia, and European mercenaries—300 of whom were recently given safe passage from Rwanda to Romania—are the Congolese armed forces (FARDC).

Although the international community ignores Rwanda, the country has reaffirmed that it will continue to have defense measures along its border as long as existential dangers persist.

The penalties, according to Samantha Teta, Policy Analyst in the Office of the President’s Strategy and Policy Council, are theatrical, performative actions that produce a circus but ultimately provide no answers.

“There are serious and urgent security issues in Rwanda. The ongoing peace negotiations conducted by Africans should be supported by actors acting in good faith.

According to Fabrice Rugumire, a young Rwandan who serves as an advisor to the Nyarugenge District Executive Committee, the US sanctions won’t alter the situation in eastern DR Congo, where murderous militias like the FDLR and dishonest Kinshasa government are the main causes of instability.

“It is not the answer to sanction a man who has devoted his life to protecting Rwanda and the area. Heroes will live on in history, not political games.

On his X platform, Rwanda National Students Association National Coordinator Evariste Murwanashyaka claimed that the sanctions were politically driven, unjust, and without merit.

“These sanctions erode justice and disregard Rwanda’s right to defend itself. Kabarebe is a patriot who greatly contributed to Rwanda’s liberation, sovereignty, and regional peace.”

Politically motivated stories that misrepresent the facts and impede Rwanda’s advancement will not be allowed to intimidate the country.

Michaela Agasaro wrote on her X account that Kabarebe is a well regarded leader who is renowned for his discipline, strategic acumen, and profound empathy. She also mentioned how he played a crucial role in bringing an end to major battles in the Great Lakes region, notably the one in the DR Congo when he fought Mobutu Sese Seko.

Instead of being duped by individuals with dubious motives, the Congolese people ought to acknowledge his sacrifices and contributions. He will be remembered as a hero by history.

“By sanctioning certain Rwandans and M23 members, the United States is intentionally encouraging DR Congo to continue persecuting Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese,” stated Emma-Claudine Ntirenganya, Director General in Charge of Communication and Education in the City of Kigali.

“Rather than using victims as scapegoats, it is imperative to address the underlying problems.”

According to Josephine Murphy, a Rwandan diaspora resident in Canada, DR Congo must accept accountability for its domestic issues; imposing sanctions on Rwanda won’t address the underlying problem.