The United States has imposed sanctions on Rwanda's defense ministry, alleging its support for the M23 rebel group in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The sanctions aim to compel Kigali to withdraw its troops and cease its backing of the rebels, according to a statement from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
These measures follow months after Rwanda and the DR Congo signed a US-brokered peace agreement intended to resolve the conflict. Despite the agreement, fighting has persisted in eastern DR Congo since early 2025, when the M23 rebel group captured the cities of Goma and Bukavu. Rwanda has consistently denied providing support to M23.
The US Treasury asserts that Rwanda's defense ministry has directed thousands of troops to fight alongside M23 in eastern DR Congo, providing arms, equipment, logistics, and training. The M23 has taken control of mineral-rich areas, including gold-mining sites in South Kivu and Rubaya, a key coltan-producing region in North Kivu. Washington claims that minerals from territory held by the rebels are entering Rwanda's supply chains, noting that Rwanda reportedly exports more minerals than it produces.
The sanctions are intended to reinforce the Washington Accords, a peace deal signed by the Congolese and Rwandan presidents in December 2025 under US mediation. While the accord aimed to end the conflict and promote regional trade, hostilities have continued.
On October 24, prior to the sanctions announcement, DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi called for increased international pressure on Rwanda. He stated, "We must firmly demand that the international community impose concrete sanctions against Rwanda and exert increased pressure, so that we may finally secure a lasting peace in our country."
The DR Congo's foreign ministry welcomed the sanctions and urged Rwanda to uphold its commitments under the Washington Accords, respect the UN Charter, and withdraw its forces from Congolese territory. A Rwandan government spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, responded by stating, "The Washington Accords contain clear commitments regarding Rwanda's security, specifically the neutralization of the DR Congo-sponsored FDLR genocidal militia, which are wholly unmet, and with no accountability."
The FDLR is a militia associated with perpetrators of Rwanda's 1994 genocide. Kigali considers it a security threat and cites its presence in eastern DR Congo to justify its military actions. Makolo added, "Rwanda remains ready to fully implement the Washington Accords, concurrently with the willingness of the DRC to fulfill those commitments, and with the mediator holding all parties accountable."
In addition to the defense ministry, the US also sanctioned Zigama Credit and Savings Society, a financial institution serving Rwanda's security services. Washington alleges that this institution facilitated tens of millions of dollars in transactions for M23 and its political arm, the Congo River Alliance. It is also accused of helping to pay for military equipment for Rwandan forces from China and enabling the transport of gold from rebel-controlled areas to Kigali.
The sanctions freeze the assets of the designated entities within US jurisdiction and generally prohibit US individuals and businesses from engaging in transactions with them, unless authorized or exempt. Violations could lead to penalties for both US and foreign entities.
These actions follow earlier US sanctions imposed in March 2026 against Rwanda's army and four senior military commanders. In June 2026, further sanctions were levied against Gasabo gold refinery and three mining companies accused of smuggling conflict minerals.
International pressure is also mounting on Rwanda's sports partnerships. Two US senators have called on the National Basketball Association (NBA) to re-evaluate its commercial relationships with Kigali, questioning their alignment with the league's stated commitment to human rights. The NBA has not yet issued a significant response to the senators' letter.