The Democratic Republic of Congo's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed satisfaction with the US Treasury's decision to impose sanctions on the Rwandan Defense Ministry and Zigama Credit and Savings Society. The two entities are accused of contributing to the aggression against the DRC by the M23 rebels, backed by the Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF). The Congolese government views these sanctions as a demonstration of Washington's commitment to peace and stability in the Great Lakes region.
The Congolese government believes that these sanctions align with the findings of the UN experts on the security situation in eastern DRC. According to the government, the sanctions confirm that the M23, despite its name changes, remains armed and financed from Kigali. The government also accuses the Rwandan army and its affiliates of continuing to violate the territorial integrity of the DRC, killing civilians, committing sexual violence, and pillaging natural resources.
The Congolese government has denounced the international community's response to Rwanda's role in the conflict as insufficient. It calls for increased pressure on Rwanda, urging states, international organizations, commercial partners, sports sponsors, and investors to re-examine their relations with Rwanda. The government emphasizes that these relations must be compatible with international commitments to peace.
The Congolese government has reiterated its commitment to neutralizing the Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda (FDLR). Since January 2025, over 800 individuals, including FDLR combatants and their dependents, have surrendered to the MONUSCO mission following demobilization efforts by Congolese authorities.
The government also emphasizes that the withdrawal of Rwandan forces is a requirement under the Washington Agreement and UN Security Council Resolution 2773. The presence of Rwandan troops alongside the M23 and AFC in areas targeted for FDLR neutralization hampers the implementation of agreed-upon mechanisms. The DRC demands the unconditional and immediate withdrawal of all Rwandan troops from its territory.
On October 28, the US Treasury sanctioned the Rwandan Defense Ministry for deploying thousands of soldiers to North and South Kivu provinces. These forces allegedly fought alongside the M23 and provided military equipment. Zigama Credit and Savings Society is accused of facilitating the transfer of gold extracted from M23-controlled territories to Kigali and enabling transactions worth millions of dollars for the benefit of the M23 and AFC.
The Congolese government's reaction to the US sanctions is not surprising, given the country's long-standing concerns about Rwanda's involvement in the conflict. The situation in eastern DRC remains volatile, with multiple armed groups operating in the region. The international community's response to the crisis will likely continue to be closely watched by the Congolese government and other stakeholders.
Key points
- The US Treasury's sanctions on the Rwandan Defense Ministry and Zigama Credit and Savings Society aim to hold entities accountable for their role in the conflict in eastern DRC.
- The Congolese government views the sanctions as a demonstration of Washington's commitment to peace and stability in the Great Lakes region.
- The situation in eastern DRC remains volatile, with multiple armed groups operating in the region and the international community's response being closely watched.
