The United States has barred several top Rwandan government figures from entering the country, accusing them of backing rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo and breaching a regional peace deal.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio unveiled the measures on Friday, stating they apply to individuals fueling unrest in eastern DRC through support for the M23 group.
“By continuing to support M23 and violating the Washington Accords, these individuals are driving violence and undermining the stability of the entire Great Lakes Region,” Rubio said in a statement.
He urged all signatories to honor the accords, adding: “The United States expects all parties to the Washington Accords to fully implement their commitments, including the DRC immediately neutralizing the FDLR armed group and its associated groups and Rwanda withdrawing its troops and military equipment from the DRC.”
Rubio highlighted the area’s economic promise, noting: “The immense economic potential of the Great Lakes region can only be realised by respecting the agreement’s terms and ensuring regional stability.”
He warned of broader repercussions: “Individuals believed to be responsible for, complicit in, or directly or indirectly engaged in undermining or impeding a sustainable peace in the Great Lakes region will face consequences.”
The restrictions, which may extend to family members, are enacted under a law permitting denial of visas if entry could harm US foreign policy interests.
