The United States has announced sanctions against the Rwandan Ministry of Defence and Zigama Credit and Saving Society, a microcredit institution. The sanctions are in response to Rwanda's alleged support for the M23 armed group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The US accuses Rwanda of maintaining troops in the DRC's North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, where they allegedly support M23 operations.
The sanctions, announced on Wednesday, target the Rwandan Ministry of Defence and Zigama Credit and Saving Society. The US Treasury Department claims that Kigali has failed to respect a peace agreement signed under US auspices in December last year. The agreement aimed to bring an end to the conflict in the DRC's eastern regions.
The US Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent, stated that Rwanda must cease its support for the M23 and withdraw its troops from the DRC. The US also accuses the Rwandan army of deploying surface-to-air missiles and jamming equipment that could pose a threat to civilian aviation. The sanctions freeze any assets held by the two entities in the US and prohibit transactions in dollars.
The US claims that Zigama Credit and Saving Society facilitated payments for the purchase of arms and equipment in China and other countries on behalf of the M23. The bank is also accused of moving and storing gold from mines in South Kivu province for the Rwandan government. The sanctions aim to pressure Kigali to respect its commitments and end its support for the M23.
The conflict in the DRC's eastern regions has been ongoing for over 30 years, with the M23 intensifying its offensive since late 2021. The group seized control of major cities, including Goma and Bukavu, in early 2025. Although the front has stabilized relatively, fighting continues, particularly in South Kivu province. The US and Qatar are attempting to facilitate an agreement between the parties to the conflict.
The sanctions are part of a broader effort to hold Rwanda accountable for its actions in the DRC. The US and other international partners have been working to address the crisis in the region. The conflict has resulted in significant humanitarian suffering and displacement, with many civilians caught in the crossfire.
The situation in the DRC remains volatile, with ongoing fighting and humanitarian concerns. The international community continues to call for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The US sanctions on Rwanda's Defence Ministry and Zigama Credit and Saving Society are a clear indication of the pressure being applied to bring an end to the crisis.
Key points
- The US has imposed sanctions on Rwanda's Defence Ministry and a cooperative bank for supporting the M23 armed group in the DRC.
- The sanctions aim to pressure Kigali to respect its commitments and end its support for the M23.
- The conflict in the DRC's eastern regions has resulted in significant humanitarian suffering and displacement.
