The United States has imposed sanctions on Rwanda's Ministry of Defence and a Rwandan financial institution, accusing both of providing material support to the M23 armed group operating in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control announced the designations on Wednesday, October 28, alongside a parallel statement from the State Department.
The two entities targeted are Rwanda's Ministry of Defence and Zigama Credit and Savings Society, a financial body that serves Rwanda's security services. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the action fulfilled a commitment made by President Donald Trump. Bessent stated that the sanctions made good on President Trump's promise to hold Rwanda accountable under the Washington Accords.
The Ministry of Defence is described as the umbrella body overseeing Rwanda's security apparatus, including the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF). According to Treasury, the RDF has deployed thousands of troops into North and South Kivu provinces, where they operate alongside M23 fighters and supply the group with weapons, logistics, and training.
Rwandan forces are also alleged to have introduced surface-to-air missile systems and signal-jamming equipment into the region, creating risks for civilian aviation. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott reinforced those findings, stating that thousands of Rwanda Defense Force troops fight alongside M23 in North and South Kivu provinces and have supplied the group with weapons and training.
On Zigama, Treasury alleged the institution processed payments to entities in China and other countries for military equipment and RDF training expenses. It further alleged that Zigama handled transactions worth tens of millions of dollars on behalf of M23 and its political wing, the Congo River Alliance, and that a Zigama branch facilitated the movement of gold from M23-controlled territory in eastern DRC to Kigali.
Both entities were designated under Executive Order 13413, which targets those who have materially supported armed groups in the DRC. The Washington Accords, signed by the DRC and Rwandan heads of state on December 4, 2025, committed both governments to ending the conflict and expanding trade across the Great Lakes region.
The United States previously sanctioned the RDF and four senior commanders on March 2, 2026. All assets belonging to the two designated entities that fall within US jurisdiction are now frozen. Financial institutions that continue to deal with either party face potential sanctions exposure.
Key points
- The US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Rwanda's Ministry of Defence and Zigama Credit and Savings Society over alleged support for the M23 armed group.
- The sanctions block all property of the two entities within US jurisdiction and warn financial institutions against dealing with them.
- The action fulfills a commitment made by President Donald Trump to hold Rwanda accountable under the Washington Accords.
