The Democratic Republic of Congo's foreign minister said U.S. sanctions on Rwanda were justified, citing Kigali's failure to withdraw its military forces from Congolese territory.
The statement from Kinshasa underscores escalating tensions between the two central African nations. Rwanda had reportedly committed to removing its forces but has not done so, according to DRC officials.
Kinshasa has long accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebel group, which has conducted multiple offensives in eastern Congo. Rwanda denies the allegations, saying its military presence is defensive.
Millions have been displaced by conflict in eastern Congo over the past two years. Regional mediators, including the African Union, have sought to broker peace and secure the withdrawal of foreign forces, but efforts have not achieved full compliance.
The U.S. sanctions are designed to pressure Kigali to comply with regional peace agreements. Washington has called for de-escalation and respect for territorial integrity.
