Faith Masita
The United States has imposed sanctions on the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) and four of its senior officials for allegedly supporting, training, and fighting alongside the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
In a statement, the U.S. Department of the Treasury said the action is intended to hold accountable those contributing to violence and instability in the region.
“The United States is committed to promoting accountability for actors who contribute to instability and violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo,” the Treasury said. “Today’s action underscores our determination to disrupt support to armed groups that threaten regional peace and security.”
According to the statement, the RDF provided material and operational support to M23, a group accused of widespread abuses and mass displacement.
“The Rwanda Defence Forces have provided support to M23, a U.S.-designated armed group responsible for violence and displacement in eastern DRC,” the statement read.
The sanctions block all U.S.-based property and interests belonging to the RDF and the designated officials. They also prohibit U.S. persons and entities from engaging in transactions or business dealings with them.
“These sanctions are directed at individuals and entities contributing to conflict, not the citizens of Rwanda or the broader region,” the Treasury emphasized.
Rwanda has repeatedly denied backing M23, maintaining that its military posture is defensive and aimed at safeguarding national security.
The sanctions mark a significant diplomatic step by Washington amid growing international concern over renewed fighting in eastern Congo and its humanitarian consequences.
In a statement, the U.S. Department of the Treasury said the action is intended to hold accountable those contributing to violence and instability in the region.
“The United States is committed to promoting accountability for actors who contribute to instability and violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo,” the Treasury said. “Today’s action underscores our determination to disrupt support to armed groups that threaten regional peace and security.”
According to the statement, the RDF provided material and operational support to M23, a group accused of widespread abuses and mass displacement.
“The Rwanda Defence Forces have provided support to M23, a U.S.-designated armed group responsible for violence and displacement in eastern DRC,” the statement read.
The sanctions block all U.S.-based property and interests belonging to the RDF and the designated officials. They also prohibit U.S. persons and entities from engaging in transactions or business dealings with them.
“These sanctions are directed at individuals and entities contributing to conflict, not the citizens of Rwanda or the broader region,” the Treasury emphasized.
Rwanda has repeatedly denied backing M23, maintaining that its military posture is defensive and aimed at safeguarding national security.
The sanctions mark a significant diplomatic step by Washington amid growing international concern over renewed fighting in eastern Congo and its humanitarian consequences.
