The sanctions target Rwanda’s military establishment and a financial institution accused of helping fund operations and transactions benefiting M23….reports Africa Daily News Desk
The United States has imposed sanctions on Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence and Zigama Credit and Savings Society over alleged military and financial support for the M23 rebel group in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Announced on 28 October by the US Treasury Department, the measures target Rwanda’s defence establishment and a financial institution accused of helping fund military operations and facilitate transactions benefiting M23 and its political wing, the Congo River Alliance.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington was holding Rwanda accountable for its commitments under the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity, a US-brokered agreement signed by the Congolese and Rwandan leaders in December 2025.
“Rwanda must halt its support for M23 and withdraw its troops from eastern DRC,” Bessent said.
According to the US Treasury, Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence directed the Rwanda Defence Force to deploy thousands of troops across North and South Kivu provinces, where they allegedly operate alongside M23 and provide the group with military equipment, supplies, logistical support and training.
Washington also accused Rwandan forces of bringing advanced weaponry, including surface-to-air missile systems and jamming equipment, into eastern Congo, creating potential risks for civilian aviation.
M23 has seized significant territory in the mineral-rich region, including the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu in early 2025. The group has also taken control of mining areas producing gold and coltan, a mineral used in electronic devices.
The Treasury alleged that civilians in areas under M23 control have faced forced labour, dangerous working conditions and illegal taxation. It also said minerals extracted from these areas have entered supply chains through Rwanda, raising concerns about the relationship between mineral exports and the continuing conflict.
Rwanda has consistently denied supporting armed groups in eastern Congo. Kigali has also cited security threats posed by the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, an armed group operating in the region, as a major concern.
The sanctions also target Zigama Credit and Savings Society, a Rwandan financial institution serving the country’s security services.
The US Treasury alleged that Zigama facilitated payments to companies in China and other countries for weapons, ammunition and military equipment intended for the Rwanda Defence Force. The institution was also accused of covering travel and accommodation expenses linked to military training.
In addition, the Treasury said a Zigama branch enabled the transportation of gold from territory controlled by M23 in eastern Congo to Rwanda’s capital, Kigali. It alleged that the institution facilitated financial transactions worth tens of millions of dollars for M23 and the Congo River Alliance.
Under the sanctions, assets belonging to the designated entities that fall within US jurisdiction, or are held by US persons, must be frozen and reported to the authorities. Transactions involving the sanctioned entities are generally prohibited for US persons unless specifically authorised or exempt.
The restrictions can also affect companies owned at least 50 per cent by sanctioned entities. Violations may result in civil or criminal penalties, while certain transactions by foreign individuals and institutions could expose them to further sanctions.
The decision comes amid continuing fighting in eastern Congo, where conflict involving M23, Congolese government forces and other armed groups has displaced civilians and deepened a long-running humanitarian crisis.
The Washington Accords were intended to support a peaceful resolution to the conflict while promoting regional trade, investment and transparency in critical mineral supply chains. However, continued violence has raised questions about the implementation of the agreement.
The latest US action increases pressure on Rwanda to withdraw its forces from eastern Congo and end its alleged support for M23. Washington has said its sanctions are intended to encourage a change in behaviour and reinforce commitments to regional peace and stability.
