The United Nations Security Council has adopted a resolution addressing the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The resolution, under France's leadership, aims to reflect the realities of the conflict and promote accountability for groups such as M23 and advances by Rwanda.
In line with this, the United States announced sanctions on key figures involved in the conflict. Sanctioned individuals include James Kabarebe, Rwanda’s Minister of State for Regional Integration, and Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston, spokesperson for M23/AFC. Two companies associated with Kingston were also sanctioned. These measures highlight efforts to hold accountable those responsible for destabilizing activities and human rights abuses in the region.
Other Member States have taken similar actions, urging Rwanda to return to negotiations to end violence. The United States called on Council members to act urgently on sanctions nominations within the 1533 Committee.
The U.S. supports African-led political processes aimed at resolving the conflict but stresses that these should not hinder swift responses from the Security Council. A unified approach is deemed essential for advancing solutions to this crisis.