The latest restrictions freeze U.S.-based assets and prohibit American citizens from conducting business with Rwanda's defence ministry and security-sector lender Zigama Credit and Savings Society. U.S. officials allege the ministry guided thousands of soldiers alongside M23, supplied weaponry, and channeled Congolese minerals into domestic supply chains. Although Congo praised the penalties, Rwanda continues to deny aiding the rebels and contends that the peace framework has failed to disarm the hostile FDLR militia.
Key points
Washington is actively utilizing financial penalties to enforce the bilateral peace terms…: Washington is actively utilizing financial penalties to enforce the bilateral peace terms established in the Washington Accords.
Kigali maintains its denial of rebel backing while highlighting unaddressed security thre…: Kigali maintains its denial of rebel backing while highlighting unaddressed security threats posed by the FDLR militia.
American lawmakers are broadening scrutiny beyond state entities to examine major commerc…: American lawmakers are broadening scrutiny beyond state entities to examine major commercial partnerships like the NBA's ties with Rwanda.
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- Published
The United States has imposed sanctions on Rwanda's defence ministry over its alleged support for the M23 rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, increasing pressure on Kigali to withdraw its troops and halt support for the rebels.
"Rwanda must halt its support for M23 and withdraw its troops from eastern DRC," US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.
The sanctions come months after Rwanda and DR Congo signed a US-brokered peace agreement aimed at ending the conflict.
Fighting has continued in eastern DR Congo since early 2025, when M23 seized the cities of Goma and Bukavu. Rwanda denies backing M23.
The US Treasury says Rwanda's defence ministry directed thousands of troops to fight alongside M23 in eastern DR Congo, providing weapons, equipment, logistics and training.
The M23 has seized mineral-rich areas, including gold-mining sites in South Kivu and Rubaya, a major coltan-producing area in North Kivu. Washington says minerals from rebel-held territory enter Rwanda's supply chains, alleging that Rwanda exports more minerals than it produces.
Inside the Congolese mine vital to mobile phones, as rebels give BBC…
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