US sanctions Rwanda's defence ministry over DR Congo conflict

The United States has imposed sanctions on Rwanda's defence ministry over its alleged support for the M23 rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), increasing pressure on Kigali to withdraw its troops and halt support for the rebels.

"Rwanda must halt its support for M23 and withdraw its troops from eastern DRC," US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

The sanctions come months after Rwanda and DR Congo signed a US-brokered peace agreement aimed at ending the conflict.

Fighting has continued in eastern DR Congo since January 2025, when M23 seized the cities of Goma and Bukavu. Rwanda denies backing M23.

The US Treasury says Rwanda's defense ministry directed thousands of troops to fight alongside M23 in eastern DR Congo, providing weapons, equipment, logistics and training.

The M23 has seized mineral-rich areas in North and South Kivu, including gold-mining sites in South Kivu and Rubaya, a major coltan-producing area. Washington says minerals from rebel-held territory enter Rwanda's supply chains, alleging that Rwanda exports more minerals than it produces.

The sanctions are intended to reinforce the Washington Accords, signed by the Congolese and Rwandan presidents in December 2025 under US mediation. The deal aimed to end the conflict and expand regional trade and investment, but fighting has continued.

On 24 October, ahead of the sanctions announcement, DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi urged the international community to increase pressure on Rwanda.

"We must firmly demand that the international community impose concrete sanctions against Rwanda and exert increased pressure, so that we may finally secure a lasting peace in our country," he said.

In a statement to Reuters, DR Congo foreign ministry welcomed the sanctions and urged Rwanda to honour its commitments under the Washington Accords, respect the UN Charter and withdraw its troops from Congolese territory.

"The Washington Accords contain clear commitments regarding Rwanda's security, specifically the neutralization of the DR Congo-sponsored FDLR genocidal militia, which are wholly unmet, and with no accountability," Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo told the BBC.

The FDLR is a militia linked to perpetrators of Rwanda's 1994 genocide. Kigali considers it a security threat and cites its presence in eastern DR Congo to justify its military posture.

"Rwanda remains ready to fully implement the Washington Accords, concurrently with the willingness of the DRC to fulfill those commitments, and with the mediator holding all parties accountable," she said.

The US also sanctioned Zigama Credit and Savings Society, a financial institution serving Rwanda's security services.

Washington alleges it facilitated tens of millions of dollars in transactions for M23 and its political wing, the Congo River Alliance, helped pay for military equipment for Rwandan forces from China and enabled gold to be transported from rebel-controlled areas to Kigali.

The sanctions freeze the designated entities' assets under US jurisdiction and generally prohibit US individuals and businesses from conducting transactions with them, unless authorised or exempt. Violations can result in penalties for US and foreign parties.

The measures follow earlier US sanctions against Rwanda's army and four senior military commanders in March 2026. The US imposed further sanctions on Gasabo gold refinery and three mining companies accused of smuggling conflict minerals in June 2026.

Pressure is also mounting over Rwanda's international sports partnerships. Two US senators have urged the National Basketball Association (NBA) to reconsider its commercial relations with Kigali, questioning whether it aligns with the league's stated commitment to human rights.

In a letter sent to NBA commissioner Adam Silver on 23 October, senators Jeff Merkley and Marsha Blackburn questioned the league's continued partnership with Rwanda amid allegations of human rights abuses.

The NBA has yet to issue a substantive response to the letter.

Rwanda has used sports high-profile sports sponsorship to raise its international profile. Early this month, it secured a 10-year deal to host Formula 1's African Grand Prix in the early 2030s.

The country's sponsorship of Arsenal ended in 2026, while Bayern Munich has also ended its commercial partnership with Visit Rwanda.

Exiled critic of Rwandan president found beheaded

Why Rwanda's deal for F1 race remains controversial

'They shot my neighbour in the head' - the lakeside city traumatised by war