KIGALI — The United States has imposed sanctions on Rwanda’s defence ministry over its alleged backing of the M23 rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, raising pressure on Kigali to pull out its troops.
“Rwanda must halt its support for M23 and withdraw its troops from eastern DRC,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said. The Treasury says the ministry directed thousands of troops to fight alongside M23, supplying weapons, equipment, logistics and training. Rwanda denies backing the rebels.
Washington also sanctioned the Zigama Credit and Savings Society, a bank serving Rwanda’s security services, alleging it facilitated tens of millions of dollars in transactions for M23 and its political wing and enabled gold to move from rebel-held areas to Kigali.
The measures are meant to reinforce the Washington Accords, the US-brokered peace deal signed in December 2025, but fighting has continued. Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo said commitments on neutralizing the FDLR militia were “wholly unmet, and with no accountability,” the BBC reported.
Congo’s foreign ministry welcomed the sanctions. They follow US sanctions on Rwanda’s army and four senior commanders in March and on a gold refinery and three mining companies in June.
Sources: BBC News, US Treasury
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