The U.S. has slapped sanctions on the Rwanda Defence Force and top military officials, accusing them of backing the AFC/M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and calling for an immediate withdrawal from the mineral-rich region.
The Treasury Department said the rebels’ territorial gains would have been impossible without Rwandan support, while the State Department highlighted the enabling of “horrific human rights abuses.” Kigali rejected the sanctions, calling them “unjust” and accusing Congo of failing to curb militia activity.
Sanctioned officials include army chief Vincent Nyakarundi, the chief of defence staff, the special operations commander, and the 5th Infantry Division commander.
The move follows a peace deal signed in Washington in December under U.S. mediation, but fighting persists. Rebels recently entered the city of Uvira near Burundi, pulled back under pressure, yet threats of broader regional escalation remain. Over the weekend, AFC/M23 launched a drone attack on Kisangani airport, claiming responsibility Monday.
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