The United States government has imposed sanctions on Rwanda’s military and four senior commanders over alleged backing of the M23 rebel group operating in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The move, announced by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), escalates pressure amid rising regional tensions.
According to Washington, the Rwanda Defence Force is accused of supporting, training and fighting alongside the March 23 Movement (M23), an armed group already sanctioned by both the United States and the United Nations over human rights violations and mass displacement in the DRC. U.S. officials claim recent M23 territorial gains, including in key eastern cities, would not have been possible without direct RDF involvement.
Among those targeted are Army Chief of Staff Vincent Nyakarundi, Major General Ruki Karusisi, Chief of Defence Staff Mubarakh Muganga and Special Operations commander Stanislas Gashugi. The U.S. alleges the officers played roles in planning or overseeing operations linked to M23 activities in eastern Congo.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the measures are intended to reinforce commitments under the Washington Accords and push for de-escalation. Washington is calling for the immediate withdrawal of RDF troops, weapons and equipment from Congolese territory.
Under the sanctions, any property or financial interests belonging to the designated individuals within U.S. jurisdiction are frozen. American citizens and entities are also generally prohibited from conducting transactions with the listed parties unless authorised by OFAC.
Rwanda has strongly rejected the accusations. In a statement issued by the administration of President Paul Kagame, Kigali described the sanctions as unfair and misleading. The government argued that the measures ignore security threats it says originate from eastern Congo and accused Kinshasa of violating ceasefire arrangements.
The developments come shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump hosted regional leaders for the Washington peace initiative. Analysts warn the dispute risks further destabilising the already volatile Great Lakes region if diplomatic efforts stall.
