US Sanctions Rwandan Official Amid DRC Conflict; Congolese Refugees Strain Burundi's Resources

The United States has sanctioned James Kabarebe, a Rwandan Minister of State, for Rwanda's support of the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The US Treasury also targeted Lawrence Kanyuka, a leader within M23, and two companies he controls, Kingston Fresh and Kingston Holding, on February 20, 2025. Since M23's capture of Goma, approximately 42,000 Congolese refugees have fled to Burundi, according to the UN. This influx is straining resources in Bujumbura, where many refugees are seeking asylum or residing independently, a situation that concerns the Burundian government. Many refugees are without legal documents and struggle to find food and shelter.