By Peter Luzinda
WASHINGTON
The United States has sanctioned Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence and a financial institution over allegations that they have facilitated support for the M23 rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), increasing pressure on President Paul Kagame’s government amid continuing conflict in the region.
The sanctions, announced on Wednesday, October 28, target the Ministry of Defence and Zigama Credit and Savings Society, which the US government accuses of supporting military operations and facilitating financial transactions connected to the rebellion.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the action was intended to enforce Rwanda’s obligations under the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity, signed by Kagame and Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi in December 2025.
“Rwanda must halt its support for M23 and withdraw its troops from eastern DRC,” Bessent said.
According to the US Treasury Department, Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence oversees the country’s security services, including the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), which was sanctioned by Washington in March over its alleged involvement in the conflict.
The department alleges that Rwandan troops have operated alongside M23 fighters in North Kivu and South Kivu, providing military equipment, logistical assistance and training.
It further claims that the forces have deployed advanced equipment, including surface-to-air missile systems and electronic jamming devices, raising concerns about potential threats to civilian aviation.
Zigama Credit and Savings Society is accused of facilitating payments for weapons and ammunition, including purchases from suppliers in China, as well as covering travel and training expenses for Rwandan security personnel.
The institution allegedly processed tens of millions of dollars in transactions linked to M23 and the Congo River Alliance, while also facilitating the movement of gold from rebel-controlled areas of eastern Congo to Kigali.
The sanctions freeze any property and financial interests of the designated entities within US jurisdiction and generally prohibit American individuals and companies from conducting business with them.
The restrictions also extend to entities owned 50 per cent or more by sanctioned parties.
The move comes as efforts to implement the Washington Accords face challenges, with fighting continuing in eastern Congo despite commitments by the two countries to end hostilities, respect territorial sovereignty and improve transparency in the trade of critical minerals.
M23 seized Goma and Bukavu during major offensives in early 2025 and has maintained control over strategic areas in the region, including locations associated with mineral extraction.
The group has been accused of human rights abuses, forced labour and other violations against civilians. The conflict has also triggered widespread displacement and worsened the humanitarian situation in eastern Congo.
Rwanda has consistently denied directly supporting M23 and previously criticised American sanctions against its military officials, describing the measures as one-sided and disputing Washington’s account of the conflict.
The latest sanctions represent another step in the US campaign to pressure Kigali over the fighting and encourage compliance with the peace agreement.
The Rwandan government had not immediately issued a response to Wednesday’s announcement.
