Eastern DR Congo has been plagued by conflict with M23 recapturing Goma and then Bukavu in early 2025
The United States has imposed sanctions on Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence over accusations that Kigali is assisting the M23 insurgency in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), intensifying demands for the withdrawal of Rwandan troops and an end to military cooperation with the rebels.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent insisted that Rwanda must terminate its backing for the armed group and remove its forces from Congolese territory.
The action follows a peace agreement brokered by Washington and signed by the Rwandan and Congolese presidents in December 2025.
Despite the accord, hostilities have persisted since early 2025, when M23 fighters captured Goma and Bukavu.
Kigali continues to reject allegations of supporting the insurgents.
According to the US Treasury, Rwanda’s defence authorities deployed thousands of soldiers to operate alongside M23, allegedly supplying weapons, military hardware, logistical assistance and training.
The rebels have also taken control of valuable mineral-producing locations, including gold extraction sites in South Kivu and Rubaya, a significant coltan hub in North Kivu.
American officials claim minerals originating from occupied areas enter Rwanda’s commercial networks, arguing that the country exports quantities exceeding its domestic production.
Washington says the penalties are intended to strengthen compliance with the Washington Accords and advance efforts to restore stability while promoting cross-border commerce and investment.
On October 24, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi called on foreign governments to increase punitive measures against Rwanda, arguing that stronger international intervention was necessary to achieve sustainable peace.
DR Congo’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the American decision in comments to Reuters, urging Kigali to fulfil its obligations under the agreement, uphold the United Nations Charter and remove its military personnel from Congolese soil.
However, Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo argued that provisions addressing security concerns, particularly the neutralisation of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), remained unfulfilled.
The FDLR is associated with individuals responsible for the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Kigali regards the armed faction as a threat and has repeatedly cited its presence in eastern DR Congo as a justification for its security operations.
Makolo maintained that Rwanda remained committed to implementing the Washington Accords, provided the Congolese government also met its responsibilities and the American-led mediation process ensured accountability for every party.
The US has additionally targeted Zigama Credit and Savings Society, a financial institution serving Rwanda’s security personnel.
Washington alleges that the organisation processed tens of millions of dollars in transactions benefiting M23 and its political arm, the Congo River Alliance.
Authorities further accuse the institution of facilitating payments for Chinese-supplied military equipment intended for Rwandan forces and enabling gold shipments from insurgent-controlled territories to Kigali.
Under the restrictions, designated organisations face the freezing of assets held within American jurisdiction.
US citizens and companies are generally prohibited from conducting business with them without specific authorisation or an applicable exemption. Breaches may attract financial penalties and other enforcement measures.
The latest action follows sanctions imposed on Rwanda’s military and four senior officers in March 2026.
In June, Washington also targeted Gasabo gold refinery and three mining firms accused of trafficking minerals linked to the conflict.
Meanwhile, Rwanda’s international commercial partnerships have come under increased scrutiny. US senators Jeff Merkley and Marsha Blackburn have called on the National Basketball Association (NBA) to reconsider its business relationship with the country.
In correspondence dated October 23 and addressed to NBA commissioner Adam Silver, the lawmakers questioned whether the league’s continued association with Kigali was consistent with its stated commitment to human rights, given allegations of abuses.
Rwanda has previously relied on prominent sporting partnerships to strengthen its global reputation.
Earlier this month, the country secured a decade-long agreement to host Formula 1’s African Grand Prix in the early 2030s.
Its sponsorship arrangement with Arsenal concluded in 2026, while German football giants Bayern Munich have also terminated their commercial agreement with Visit Rwanda.
The political and military tensions have further intensified following M23’s reported alignment with a newly formed insurgent alliance, the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), led by former Congolese President Joseph Kabila.
The coalition has declared its intention to remove Tshisekedi’s administration from power, raising further concerns about the prospects for peace and stability in eastern DR Congo.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong