The Rwandan government has condemned the US decision to sanction a government minister for his alleged role in the conflict in the east of neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.

Along with the Rwandan minister for regional integration, James Kabarebe, the U.S. sanctioned Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston, a spokesperson for the M23 rebels.

The United States announced sanctions against a Rwandan official and a Rwandan-backed rebel in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo over a rapidly expanding war in the area. On Thursday, the departments of State and Treasury announced sanctions against Rwandan Minister of State for Regional Integration James Kabarebe and Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston,