WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States has imposed new sanctions on Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence and a Rwandan financial institution over their alleged involvement in supporting the M23 rebel group in the conflict-hit eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the measures on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, accusing Rwanda’s defence establishment of providing military assistance, equipment, logistical support and training to M23 fighters operating in North and South Kivu provinces.
Washington also sanctioned Zigama Credit and Savings Society, a financial institution that the Treasury Department alleges facilitated financial transactions connected to Rwanda’s military and the rebel group.
The measures are intended to increase pressure on Rwanda to withdraw its forces from eastern Congo and comply with commitments made under a U.S.-brokered peace agreement. The announcement comes as fighting continues despite diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.
US Accuses Rwanda of Supporting M23 Rebels
According to the U.S. Treasury Department, Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence directed the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) to deploy thousands of troops across eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, where they allegedly conducted operations alongside M23 fighters.
Washington also accused the Rwandan military of supplying the group with weapons, equipment, logistical assistance and training.
The Treasury Department said Rwandan forces had introduced advanced military technology, including surface-to-air missile systems and electronic jamming equipment, into the conflict zone. Officials warned that these capabilities could pose risks to civilian aviation in the region.
M23, an armed group operating in eastern Congo, has seized major population centres and mining areas during its renewed offensive. The group captured Goma, the capital of North Kivu, and Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu, in early 2025.
The United States and United Nations experts have accused Rwanda of supporting the rebels, allegations that Kigali has repeatedly denied.
Rwandan Financial Institution Also Targeted
Alongside the defence ministry, Washington imposed sanctions on Zigama Credit and Savings Society, which the Treasury Department described as a financial institution serving Rwanda’s security services.
U.S. officials alleged that Zigama facilitated payments for weapons, ammunition and other military equipment used by the Rwanda Defence Force. The institution was also accused of processing transactions linked to M23 and its political wing, the Congo River Alliance.
The Treasury Department further alleged that a Zigama branch helped facilitate the transportation of gold originating from rebel-controlled territory in eastern Congo to Rwanda.
According to the U.S. government, the financial institution’s activities helped support military operations and financial networks associated with the conflict.
The sanctions generally block property and financial interests belonging to the designated entities that are within the United States or under the control of U.S. persons. They also restrict transactions involving the sanctioned parties unless an applicable authorization or exemption applies.
Washington Seeks to Enforce Peace Agreement
The latest sanctions come after the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda signed the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity on December 4, 2025, in an agreement facilitated by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The accord was intended to support a peaceful resolution to the conflict and encourage economic cooperation, trade and investment across the Great Lakes region of Africa.
However, continued fighting has raised questions about the agreement’s effectiveness and the parties’ willingness to fulfil their commitments.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the sanctions were intended to hold Rwanda accountable for its obligations under the agreement.
Washington has called on Rwanda to stop supporting M23 and withdraw its troops from eastern Congo. U.S. officials have also stressed that armed groups and those supporting them should not benefit from the region’s natural resources.
Eastern Congo’s Mineral Wealth Remains Central to the Conflict
Eastern Congo contains valuable mineral deposits, including gold and coltan, a source of tantalum used in electronic devices and other industrial applications.
Control over mining areas has become a significant factor in the conflict, as armed groups compete for territory and access to valuable resources.
The U.S. Treasury Department alleged that civilians in areas controlled by M23 have faced forced labour, dangerous mining conditions, unlawful detention and illegal taxation.
Washington also raised concerns about minerals entering international supply chains from territories under rebel control. It called on businesses and international partners to examine their sourcing practices to reduce the risk of financing armed groups.
The allegations highlight the connection between the conflict, regional security and international demand for critical minerals.
Humanitarian Crisis Continues Despite Diplomatic Efforts
The fighting in eastern Congo has displaced large numbers of people and disrupted access to food, healthcare and other essential services.
The continued violence has also complicated efforts to restore stability in North and South Kivu, where armed groups have operated for years.
Although the Washington Accords created a framework for peace and economic cooperation, the latest sanctions demonstrate that diplomatic negotiations have not ended the hostilities.
The impact of the new measures will depend on their implementation, the response from Rwanda and whether the parties take further steps toward reducing military activity.
For now, the United States is increasing economic pressure on entities it accuses of sustaining the conflict, while the humanitarian situation in eastern Congo remains a major concern for regional governments and international organizations.
Swifteradio.com
