US sanctions Rwanda's defence ministry over DR Congo conflict

What the report says

The United States has imposed sanctions on Rwanda’s defence ministry, stepping up pressure on Kigali over alleged support for the M23 rebel movement in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. According to the BBC report, Washington says Rwanda has backed fighters in the conflict area, while Rwanda denies the accusation. The sanctions are meant to reinforce a US-mediated peace process that has so far failed to stop the fighting.

The BBC says the US Treasury alleges Rwanda’s defence ministry directed thousands of troops to support M23 operations in eastern DRC and provided weapons, logistics, equipment and training. The rebel group has captured strategic and mineral-rich areas in North and South Kivu, including parts of South Kivu and the Rubaya coltan region. The US also says minerals from rebel-held territory enter Rwanda’s supply chains. In response, the Congolese government welcomed the move and repeated its call for Rwanda to withdraw its troops.

The sanctions follow a US-brokered peace agreement signed by the Congolese and Rwandan presidents months earlier, under which the two countries pledged to ease tensions and expand regional trade. Fighting has continued despite that deal, and Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi recently urged more international pressure on Rwanda. Rwanda, through government spokesperson Yolande Makolo, said the accord’s security commitments had not been met and argued that the process must involve accountability for all sides.

The BBC also reported that Washington sanctioned Zigama Credit and Savings Society, a financial institution serving Rwanda’s security services, and noted earlier US measures against Rwandan military figures and mining firms.