The United States has imposed sanctions on Rwanda's defense ministry, citing its alleged involvement in the conflict in eastern Congo. The Treasury Department stated that the ministry "deployed thousands of troops across eastern DRC’s North and South Kivu provinces, where they conduct operations alongside M23 and provide the armed group with military equipment, supplies, logistical support, and training." The sanctions were announced on Wednesday.
According to the Treasury Department, Rwandan authorities have also "introduced advanced weaponry to the battlefield, including surface to air missile systems and jamming equipment, creating risks for civilian aviation in eastern DRC." The U.S. also announced sanctions on Zigama Credit and Savings Society, a Rwandan financial institution it said has "played a key role in facilitating Rwanda’s support" to M23 and its political wing, the Congo River Alliance.
M23 is one of numerous armed groups vying for control in eastern Congo, a region rich in minerals. This area has been plagued by a protracted conflict that has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis. M23 previously seized control of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, and other key eastern Congolese cities.
The U.S. sanctions follow a peace agreement mediated by the United States, which was signed in late last year by Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Washington, with former U.S. President Donald Trump in attendance. Despite the peace efforts, fighting has persisted on the ground.
While the U.S. Treasury stated that Rwanda must "halt its support for M23 and withdraw its troops from eastern DRC," Rwandan authorities have consistently denied backing armed groups in Congo. However, United Nations experts have reported evidence of Rwandan troops fighting alongside and directing M23.
Earlier this year, the U.S. had already imposed sanctions on the Rwandan Defense Forces and four of its senior officials for their alleged support of M23. The United Nations has characterized the conflict in eastern Congo as one of the most complex and severe humanitarian crises globally.