The United States has sanctioned Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence and Zigama Credit and Savings Society, accusing them of helping sustain the M23 rebellion in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The US Department of the Treasury cited the alleged provision of military assistance, financial services and logistical support to the rebel group and its political wing, the Congo River Alliance.

According to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the action was intended to hold Rwanda accountable for commitments under the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity which was signed by the Rwandan and Congolese presidents on December 4, 2025.

Bessent called on Kigali to stop supporting M23 and withdraw its troops from eastern DRC where the rebel group has captured strategic towns and territories rich in minerals.

The US Treasury alleged that Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) has deployed thousands of troops in North and South Kivu provinces and supplied M23 with weapons, equipment, training and logistical assistance.

The alleged support has led to human rights violation, exploitation of civilians, forced labour and displacement of people in the areas experiencing conflict.

Rwandan forces were accused of conducting joint operations with M23 and introducing advanced military equipment, including surface-to-air missile systems and jamming technology.

M23 is a rebel group that re-emerged as a major force in 2021 and captured Goma and Bukavu, the provincial capitals of North and South Kivu, respectively, in early 2025.  It has taken control of areas producing minerals, including gold mining sites in South Kivu and the Rubaya coltan-mining zone in North Kivu.

Local residents in areas captured by M23 have faced forced labour, unsafe mining conditions and illegal taxation. US Treasury claimed that minerals extracted from the captured territories enter supply chains through Rwanda, raising questions about the country’s mineral exports.

According to the new measures put in place, assets belonging to designated entities within US jurisdiction or held by US persons must be frozen and reported to the Office of Foreign Assets Control. Businesses owned at least 50 per cent by blocked parties are also subject to restrictions.

The measures generally prohibit persons from the US from conducting transactions involving the sanctioned entities unless authorized.

APERIT FM, HII NI YETU