U.S. sanctions Rwanda Defence Force over alleged support to M23 rebels in Eastern Congo

The U.S. Department of the Treasury on Monday imposed sanctions on the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and four of its senior officials, accusing Rwanda’s military of supporting an armed rebellion in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said the RDF is “actively supporting, training, and fighting alongside” the March 23 Movement (M23), an armed group already sanctioned by both the United States and the United Nations for alleged human rights abuses and mass displacement in eastern Congo.

According to the Treasury, with RDF backing, M23 has seized significant territory in eastern DRC, including the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu, as well as strategic mining sites. “M23’s offensives would not have been possible without the active support and complicity of the RDF and key senior officials,” the statement said.

Four senior RDF officials were also sanctioned: Vincent Nyakarundi, RDF Army Chief of Staff, described as a senior commander of Rwanda’s land forces that conducted operations in support of M23. Ruki Karusisi, a major general and commander of the RDF’s 5th Infantry Division, who previously oversaw special operations backing M23. Mubarakh Muganga, RDF Chief of Defence Staff, who previously served as Army Chief of Staff and allegedly played a key role in planning and commanding RDF operations in eastern Congo. Stanislas Gashugi, appointed Special Operations Force Commander on March 15, 2025.

Treasury officials said the RDF has provided direct operational support to M23, including deploying thousands of troops into eastern Congo and introducing advanced military equipment such as GPS jamming systems, air defense equipment, and drones. The statement also accused the RDF of training M23 fighters and supporting recruitment efforts, including among refugees.

The Treasury further alleged that Rwanda gained access to mineral-rich areas in eastern Congo in exchange for its support to M23, helping finance the rebellion.

Rwanda’s government criticized the U.S. sanctions as “unjust” and accused the DRC of violating ceasefire agreements in the eastern part of the country.

“The sanctions issued today by the United States unjustly targeting only one party to the peace process misrepresent the reality and distort the facts of the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo,” a Rwandan government spokesperson said.

Kigali also accused the DRC of conducting “consistent and indiscriminate drone attacks and ground offensives” that have caused civilian casualties. “Protecting our country is a badge of honour which the Rwanda Defense Force carries very proudly,” the spokesperson added.

Rwanda further alleged that the DRC supports armed groups, including foreign mercenaries, ethnic militias known as Wazalendo, and the FDLR, a militia group Kigali describes as genocidal, fighting alongside the Congolese armed forces (FARDC).

According to Rwanda’s spokesperson, the DRC committed under the Washington Accords to an “irreversible and verifiable end to state support for the FDLR and associated militias” but has failed to fulfill that obligation. The government said it remains committed to disengaging its forces, contingent upon the DRC meeting its own commitments under the accords.

“Rwanda welcomes the resumption of the implementation process, including the Joint Oversight Committee, which requires an even-handed approach from all partners,” the spokesperson said, adding that Kigali remains committed to implementing all aspects of the accords, including the Regional Economic Integration Framework.

Despite the signing of the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity between Kinshasa and Kigali, tensions remain high. Both sides continue to accuse each other of violating the terms of the agreement. On the ground, the M23 rebel movement has used the fragile ceasefire period to consolidate its territorial gains. Reports indicate that the group has strengthened its positions in North Kivu.

Parallel to these developments, the Trump administration has pursued agreements with Kinshasa to secure access to the DRC’s vast reserves of critical minerals, including cobalt and coltan. These resources are vital for powering emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and defence industry, clean energy, and advanced electronics.