The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has expressed satisfaction with the US Treasury's decision to sanction two Rwandan entities, the Ministry of Defense and Zigama Credit and Savings Society, accused of providing military and financial support to the AFC/M23 rebels in eastern DRC. In a statement, Kinshasa called for a firmer international response and reiterated its demand for the unconditional withdrawal of Rwandan forces from Congolese territory.
The Congolese government views the US sanctions as a significant step towards restoring peace and stability in the Great Lakes region. Kinshasa believes that the US accusations align with the findings of UN experts on the involvement of Rwanda in the conflict in eastern DRC. The Congolese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the sanctions confirm the observations of the UN Group of Experts on DRC, highlighting that the M23, under whatever name, remains armed and financed from Kigali.
The Congolese authorities accuse the Rwandan army and associated groups of continuing operations that undermine national sovereignty and the security of civilian populations. They attribute to them human losses, sexual violence, and the plundering of natural resources, which exacerbate the suffering of communities in areas affected by clashes. Kinshasa denounces the impunity and calls for increased international pressure on Rwanda.
Despite the US sanctions, the Congolese government considers the international community's response to be insufficient. It criticizes what it sees as an overly lenient attitude towards Kigali, whose international image it claims is at odds with the consequences of the violence on Congolese territory. Kinshasa urges states, international organizations, commercial partners, investors, and sports sector actors to reassess their relations with Rwanda.
The Congolese government emphasizes that the US sanctions demonstrate that alleged international law violations must have consequences. It advocates for concrete measures to end impunity and promote a lasting resolution to the conflict. The DRC highlights its efforts to neutralize the Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda (FDLR), a Rwandan armed group present in eastern DRC.
Since January 2025, over 800 individuals, including FDLR combatants and family members, have surrendered to the UN Mission in DRC (MONUSCO). The Congolese government sees these results as evidence of its commitment to implementing security agreements with its partners. However, it stresses that these efforts must be accompanied by the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from Congolese territory, as stipulated in the Washington Agreement and UN Security Council Resolution 2773.
The Congolese government demands the effective, complete, and unconditional withdrawal of all Rwandan forces present on its territory. The US sanctions target the Rwandan Ministry of Defense, accused of deploying thousands of soldiers in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, and providing military equipment to the AFC/M23 rebels. Zigama Credit and Savings Society is also accused of facilitating financial transactions related to the rebel group's activities.
Key points
- The Democratic Republic of Congo demands the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan troops from its territory.
- The US sanctions target Rwandan entities accused of supporting the AFC/M23 rebels in eastern DRC.
- The Congolese government calls for increased international pressure on Rwanda to end its support for rebel groups.
