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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 28929, member: 2262"] The European Union hit Rwanda with harsh penalties yesterday. They punished military leaders and M23 rebels for fighting in eastern Congo. This happened right after Rwanda and Belgium cut all ties with each other. Both countries kicked out each other's ambassadors earlier in the day as tensions boiled over. The EU made their decision official on March 17 through Regulation 2025/509. They blamed Rwanda's army for crossing borders illegally and keeping the war going. These actions match what America did recently when they penalized General James Kabarebe, who serves as Rwanda's Minister for Regional matters. Several top military commanders faced EU punishment. Major General Eugene Nkubito leads the 3rd Division, which helps M23 fighters. Brigadier General Pascal Muhizi runs the 2nd Division, which entered Congo last year. Major General Ruki Karusisi manages special forces stationed across eastern Congo. M23 rebel chiefs also faced penalties. Bertrand Bisimwa heads their political operations in areas they control. Jean-Bosco Nzabonimpa Mupenzi sells minerals to pay for weapons. John Imani Nzenze gathers secret information for attacks. Joseph Bahati Musanga calls himself the North Kivu Governor, where rebels hold power. The EU also targeted Gasabo Gold Refinery based in Rwanda's capital. They claim this company mixes stolen Congo gold with legal minerals before selling it abroad. This illegal trade pays for armed groups that keep fighting throughout the area. The growing crisis has pushed Western countries apart from Rwanda. The penalties freeze bank accounts, block travel, and limit money transfers for these people and businesses. Many countries demanded Rwanda pull its soldiers out of Congo as required by UN Security Council Resolution 2773. America, Britain, and Belgium all placed similar restrictions on Rwanda recently. Rwanda strongly denies helping M23 rebels. They blame Congo's government for not fixing the real problems causing the conflict. Peace talks between Congo officials and M23 leaders start tomorrow in Angola. Nobody knows if these penalties will pressure Rwanda enough to change anything as the meetings begin in Luanda. [/QUOTE]

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