The ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has prompted concerns from Human Rights Watch that recent sanctions against Rwanda are insufficient to protect civilians. Despite US sanctions against Rwandan military officers and institutions accused of involvement in destabilizing the region and plundering natural resources, fighting persists between the Congolese army and armed groups supported by Kigali.
Clémentine de Montjoye, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch, expressed doubts that sanctions alone can ensure civilian protection in conflict-affected areas. She advocates for concrete measures to end hostilities and human rights abuses. According to de Montjoye, the UN has identified the M23 rebel group as the primary perpetrator of documented human rights abuses in 2025, with the Congolese army ranking second.
De Montjoye also emphasized the responsibility of the US and other governments to hold Rwanda and the DRC accountable for their actions. She urged Washington to pressure Kinshasa to investigate and prosecute Congolese forces responsible for abuses, ensure adherence to humanitarian law, and cease support for abusive armed groups.
The US has progressively expanded sanctions against actors involved in the security crisis in eastern DRC. In February 2025, Washington sanctioned James Kabarebe, then Rwandan Minister of State for Regional Integration, accused of playing a central role in Kigali's support for the M23. Additional measures targeted Lawrence Kanyuka, a spokesperson for the rebel group, and two of his companies.
In March 2026, the US Treasury imposed sanctions on the Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF) and four senior military officials: Vincent Nyakarundi, Ruki Karusisi, Mubarakh Muganga, and Stanislas Gashugi. Further sanctions were imposed in June 2026, targeting individuals involved in illicit trafficking of Congolese minerals to Rwanda.
On October 28, 2026, the US extended sanctions to the Rwandan Ministry of Defence and Zigama Credit and Savings Society, a financial institution linked to Rwandan security services. The institution was accused of facilitating financial transactions related to support for the M23 and illicit mineral trade.
To effectively address the crisis, Clémentine de Montjoye stressed the need for intensified pressure on parties to prioritize civilian protection and accountability in peace negotiations. The situation in eastern DRC remains volatile, with ongoing clashes and humanitarian concerns.
Key points
- Sanctions against Rwanda are insufficient to protect civilians in eastern DRC without accompanying concrete measures.
- Human Rights Watch urges the US to pressure the DRC to investigate and prosecute its forces responsible for human rights abuses.
- The conflict in eastern DRC involves fighting between the Congolese army and armed groups supported by Rwanda.
