The United States announced on October 28 that it has imposed sanctions on the Rwandan Ministry of Defense and the Zigama Credit and Savings Society, a Rwandan financial institution. The sanctions are in response to the entities' alleged support for the M23 rebel group and its former political wing, the Alliance of the Congo River. The US Department of the Treasury stated that all assets and interests of the targeted entities located in the US or held by American individuals are frozen.
According to the US Treasury, the Rwandan Ministry of Defense oversees the Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF), which are accused of deploying thousands of soldiers to the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu in support of the M23. The RDF allegedly provided the rebel group with military equipment, logistical support, supplies, and training. The Treasury also claims that the RDF deployed sophisticated military equipment, including surface-to-air missile systems and jamming equipment.
The M23, a rebel group sanctioned by the US and the United Nations, controls several strategic urban and mining areas in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The group is accused of extrajudicial executions, arbitrary detentions, torture, and exploitation and forced labor of civilians. The US Treasury also accuses the Rwandan Ministry of Defense of supporting the M23's activities.
The US Treasury also alleges that Zigama Credit and Savings Society facilitated the purchase of arms, ammunition, and military equipment for the RDF. The financial institution allegedly facilitated transactions for the M23 and the Alliance of the Congo River worth tens of millions of dollars. Additionally, Zigama is accused of participating in the transportation of gold from mining sites controlled by the M23 in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo to Kigali.
As a result of the sanctions, all assets and interests of the targeted entities located in the US or held by American individuals are frozen. The US authorities also warn that individuals or institutions that engage in certain transactions with the sanctioned entities may themselves be exposed to civil or criminal sanctions.
The sanctions are part of the US commitment to upholding the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity, signed between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda on December 4, 2025. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that Rwanda must end its support for the M23 and withdraw its troops from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The US has taken a strong stance against the M23 and its supporters, with the aim of promoting peace and stability in the region. The sanctions are a significant escalation of US pressure on Rwanda to cease its support for the rebel group.
Key points
- The US has imposed sanctions on Rwanda's defense ministry and Zigama Credit and Savings Society for their role in supporting the M23 rebel group.
- The sanctions freeze all assets and interests of the targeted entities located in the US or held by American individuals.
- The US accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23, which is accused of human rights abuses and exploitation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
