DST News: The United States has imposed sanctions on Rwanda’s Defence Ministry over allegations that Kigali is supporting the M23 rebel group in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), intensifying pressure on Rwanda to withdraw its troops and end its alleged backing of the insurgents.
“Rwanda must halt its support for M23 and withdraw its troops from eastern DRC,” US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.
The sanctions come despite a US-mediated peace agreement signed by Rwanda and DR Congo in December 2025, known as the Washington Accords, which aimed to end the conflict and promote regional trade and investment. However, fighting has continued in the mineral-rich eastern provinces.
The M23 rebel group captured the major cities of Goma and Bukavu in January 2025 and has since expanded its control over parts of North and South Kivu. Rwanda has repeatedly denied supporting the rebels.
According to the US Treasury, Rwanda’s Defence Ministry directed thousands of troops to fight alongside M23 in eastern DR Congo, providing weapons, equipment, logistical support and training.
Washington also alleges that minerals extracted from rebel-controlled territories are entering Rwanda’s supply chains. The affected areas include gold-mining sites in South Kivu and Rubaya, a major coltan-producing centre. US authorities have accused Rwanda of exporting more minerals than it produces domestically.
The latest measures are intended to reinforce the Washington Accords and increase pressure on Kigali to fulfil its commitments under the agreement.
DR Congo Welcomes Sanctions
The sanctions followed calls from DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi for stronger international action against Rwanda.
On 24 October, Tshisekedi urged the international community to impose concrete sanctions and increase pressure on Kigali to help secure lasting peace in his country.
In a statement to Reuters, DR Congo’s foreign ministry welcomed the US decision and called on Rwanda to honour its commitments under the Washington Accords, respect the United Nations Charter and withdraw its troops from Congolese territory.
Rwanda, however, has defended its security concerns, pointing to the presence of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed group linked to perpetrators of the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
“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,” Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo told the BBC.
Makolo added that Rwanda remained prepared to implement the agreement, provided DR Congo also fulfilled its obligations and the US-led mediation process held all parties accountable.
Financial Institution Also Targeted
Alongside Rwanda’s Defence Ministry, Washington sanctioned Zigama Credit and Savings Society, a financial institution serving Rwanda’s security services.
The US Treasury alleges that the institution facilitated tens of millions of dollars in transactions for M23 and its political wing, the Congo River Alliance. It also allegedly helped finance military equipment purchases for Rwandan forces from China and facilitated the movement of gold from rebel-controlled areas to Kigali.
The sanctions freeze the designated entities’ assets under US jurisdiction and generally prohibit US individuals and businesses from conducting transactions with them, unless authorised or exempt. Violations may result in penalties for both US and foreign parties.
The measures follow earlier US sanctions imposed in March 2026 on Rwanda’s army and four senior military commanders. In June, Washington also targeted Gasabo gold refinery and three mining companies accused of involvement in conflict-mineral smuggling.
Pressure Extends to Rwanda’s International Partnerships
Rwanda is also facing scrutiny over its international commercial and sporting partnerships.
On 23 October, US senators Jeff Merkley and Marsha Blackburn wrote to National Basketball Association (NBA) commissioner Adam Silver, urging the league to reconsider its commercial relationship with Rwanda amid allegations of human rights abuses.
The senators questioned whether the partnership was consistent with the NBA’s stated commitment to human rights. The league has yet to issue a substantive response to their letter.
Rwanda has used high-profile sports sponsorships to strengthen its international image. Earlier this month, the country secured a 10-year agreement to host Formula 1’s African Grand Prix in the early 2030s.
However, its sponsorship agreement with Arsenal ended in 2026, while Bayern Munich has also terminated its commercial partnership with Visit Rwanda.
The latest sanctions add to growing international pressure on Kigali as fighting continues in eastern DR Congo, raising further questions about the prospects for implementing the Washington Accords and achieving lasting peace in the region.
Source: BBC
