US sanctions Rwanda over M23 rebels support

What the report says

The United States has expanded sanctions related to the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, targeting Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence and the Zigama Credit and Savings Society over alleged support for the M23 rebel movement. The measures were announced by the US Treasury Department on Wednesday, Oct. 28, according to The Observer, which said Washington accuses the entities of helping provide military and financial backing to M23 and its political wing, the Congo River Alliance.

The Treasury said the sanctions are intended to press Rwanda to meet commitments under the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity, a US-brokered agreement signed by the Congolese and Rwandan presidents in December 2025. US officials said Rwanda should stop supporting M23 and pull its forces out of eastern DRC. The department also alleged that Rwandan security forces have deployed in North and South Kivu and have supplied the group with equipment, logistics and training.

The Observer reported that Washington further accused Zigama of helping channel payments for weapons, ammunition, training and other military-related transactions, including dealings tied to suppliers in China and other countries. The US also alleged that a Zigama branch helped move gold from territory controlled by M23 into Rwanda. Under the sanctions, any assets within US jurisdiction must be blocked, and transactions involving the designated entities are generally barred for US persons.

The latest move comes as fighting continues despite diplomatic efforts, and follows earlier US sanctions imposed in March 2026 on the Rwanda Defence Force and several senior officials. Rwanda has denied backing armed groups in Congo, while Kinshasa welcomed the new measures and urged Rwanda to honor the peace accord.