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Yesterday, the Washington D.C. did something important to shine a light on the advances of M23 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The U.S. authorities are sending a signal, as they are targeting the commander and the one who has been in commando of the M23 from Kigali. That being Gen. James Kabarebe.
We know Kabarebe and the regime of Kigali wants to disassociate itself with M23. Regardless of that, this is yet another proof of their connection. He has been the leader and the one who has had Gen. Sultani Makenga under his wings. Therefore, we know the rebrand of CNDP and new support of M23 fits the paradigm of Kigali’s proxy war within the Kivu provinces.
Kabarebe has used the rhetoric against FDLR, as the Government of Rwanda continues to use as a shield for interfering and annexing the resource rich territories of North and South Kivu provinces.
“Money is not a problem. In the bush we survived without resources … Without help, we will develop better; it will give us even more energy. If they are basing their point for sanctions on lies, let them do it, it will not influence Rwanda. In Congo, we did not start these stories, neither did we support them, and now we will not go there to clean up their mess” (Gen. James Kabarebe – ‘Le Soir (B) – Rwandan Defense Minister James Kabarebe Spills ‘Secrets’ About DRC, M23 (translation)’ 01.08.2012).
We know the General and the regime of Kigali will downplay and disassociate itself. It has too, but we know that M23 has connections and are supported by Rwanda. They can act like we don’t know and it’s false, but that doesn’t make it untrue. We know the General doesn’t want this association, but certainly Kabarebe is profiting for the relations and commando of M23.
That the Trump Administration sanctions him is signalling Kigali. They are telling the world that they believe of his association and facilitation of M23, which is advancing in the Kivu provinces. Therefore, this militia is proven to be proxy of Rwanda. We know Kigali wants to disassociate itself and act like outsider of it all. Except the reality is vastly different from the Kigali propaganda, which claims Kinshasa is lying about them. Therefore, this is a common practice, and we have seen it for decades under President Paul Kagame.
This sanction of him won’t stop the relentless activities of the M23 in the DRC. The General will continue his works and participate it in regardless. He thinks his lies and deception can change it. They will blame the DRC and Kinshasa on a regular basis. That’s what the General does. It is just part of the modus operandi of the Kigali regime.
It is nice to see Gen. Kabarebe sanctioned, but it won’t force the hands of the M23 or the ones logistical supporting the proxy militia within the DRC. Peace.