The United States on Monday imposed sanctions on the Rwanda Defence Force and several senior military officials over their alleged involvement in the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), calling for the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan forces from the mineral-rich region.
For years, Rwanda has denied accusations from the Congolese government, the United Nations and Western powers that it backs the AFC/M23 rebel group. The group launched a rapid offensive last year and now controls more territory in eastern DRC than at any time in its history.
However, the U.S. Treasury Department stated on Monday that the rebels’ territorial gains would not have been possible without Rwanda’s support. In a separate statement, the U.S. State Department said Rwanda’s alleged backing had enabled “horrific human rights abuses.”
Responding in an emailed statement, Rwanda’s government rejected the sanctions, saying they unfairly targeted only one party in the peace process and “misrepresent the reality and distort the facts of the conflict.”
Kigali said it remains “fully committed to disengagement of its forces in tandem with the DRC implementing their obligations” under U.S.-led mediation efforts. It also accused the Congolese government of failing to fulfil commitments, including ending support for armed militias.
Congo’s government welcomed the sanctions, describing them as “a strong signal in support” of its territorial integrity and sovereignty. A spokesperson for AFC/M23 did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
According to the U.S. Treasury Department, those sanctioned include Rwanda’s army chief of staff, Vincent Nyakarundi, as well as the chief of defence staff, the commander of the special operations force and the commander of the 5th Infantry Division.
Mediation Efforts Struggle to Halt Violence
Rwanda and the DRC signed a peace agreement in Washington in December as part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to broker stability in the region and encourage significant Western investment.
Despite the agreement, hostilities have persisted. Shortly after the signing ceremony, AFC/M23 fighters entered the eastern Congolese city of Uvira, near the border with Burundi, marking the most significant escalation in months. The rebels later withdrew under U.S. pressure.
Nevertheless, the U.S. Treasury warned that the continued rebel presence near Burundi’s border “carries the risk of escalating the conflict into a broader regional war.”
Clashes continue across several fronts in eastern Congo. Over the weekend, Congolese authorities accused AFC/M23 of carrying out a drone strike on the airport in the strategic city of Kisangani, hundreds of kilometres from active front lines.
AFC/M23 later claimed responsibility for the attack.
