The United States government has imposed sanctions on Rwanda's Ministry of Defence and Zigama Credit and Savings Society, a Kigali-based financial institution. The US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control confirmed the move, citing Rwanda's support for the March 23 Movement and its political wing, the Congo River Alliance. The sanctions aim to hold Rwanda accountable for its commitments under the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity.
The March 23 Movement, a designated armed group, has illegally seized territory in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, perpetrating human rights abuses and contributing to a severe humanitarian crisis. The group has received support from Rwanda's security apparatus, including the deployment of thousands of troops and provision of military equipment, logistics, and training. The Washington Accords, signed on December 4, 2025, aim to promote peace and prosperity in the region.
The Rwandan Ministry of Defence, the umbrella organization for Rwanda's security services, has deployed troops across eastern DRC's North and South Kivu provinces, where they conduct operations alongside M23. The RDF has also introduced advanced weaponry to the battlefield, creating risks for civilian aviation in eastern DRC. The sanctions target the Ministry's material support for the RDF and M23.
Zigama Credit and Savings Society has facilitated payments to entities in China and other countries for weapons, ammunition, and military equipment for the RDF. The financial institution has also enabled the transportation of gold sourced from M23-controlled territory in eastern DRC to Kigali. Zigama's actions have contributed to the financing of M23 and the Congo River Alliance.
The sanctions imposed by the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control block all property and interests in property of the designated persons in the US or in the possession or control of US persons. Any entities owned 50 percent or more by blocked persons are also blocked. The move aims to prevent further support for M23 and promote stability in eastern DRC.
The US Department of State has expressed concern over mineral supply chains contributing to instability in eastern DRC. The sanctions highlight the need for Rwanda to halt its support for M23 and withdraw its troops from eastern DRC. The US aims to bring about a positive change in the region through these measures.
The sanctions have implications for financial institutions and other persons engaging in transactions or activities involving designated or blocked persons. The US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control may impose civil penalties for sanctions violations on a strict liability basis. The move demonstrates the US commitment to enforcing its economic sanctions and promoting peace and stability in the region.
Key points
- The US has imposed sanctions on Rwanda's Ministry of Defense and Zigama Credit and Savings Society for supporting the M23 armed group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
- The sanctions aim to hold Rwanda accountable for its commitments under the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity.
- The move blocks all property and interests in property of the designated persons in the US or in the possession or control of US persons.
