The US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced on October 28, 2026, that it has imposed sanctions on the Rwandan Ministry of Defence. The ministry is accused of directing the deployment of thousands of soldiers to North and South Kivu provinces in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where they are fighting alongside the M23 rebels. This move is seen as a significant escalation of the conflict in the region.
The sanctions also target the Zimbabwe-based company, Zigama, which is accused of facilitating payments for the purchase of arms, ammunition, and military equipment for the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF). Additionally, Zigama is alleged to have enabled the transportation of gold extracted from areas controlled by the rebels to Kigali. The company is also accused of processing transactions worth tens of millions of dollars for the M23 and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
The US Treasury's decision to impose sanctions on the Rwandan Ministry of Defence and Zigama is based on their alleged support for the M23 rebels. The US government has expressed concern over the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where the M23 rebels have been accused of committing human rights abuses. The sanctions aim to pressure Rwanda to cease its support for the rebels and withdraw its troops from the region.
The Rwandan government has previously denied supporting the M23 rebels, and in March 2026, it condemned US sanctions imposed on the RDF and four of its senior officials. The US Treasury's latest move is seen as a significant escalation of pressure on Rwanda to change its stance on the conflict. The sanctions also reflect the US government's commitment to enforcing the Washington Accords, signed on December 4, 2025, by the presidents of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.
The Washington Accords aim to establish a framework for resolving the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and promoting regional economic cooperation. The accords also focus on the trade in critical minerals, which is a key aspect of the conflict. The US Treasury's sanctions are intended to encourage Rwanda to honour its commitments under the accords and to cease its support for the M23 rebels.
The sanctions imposed by the US Treasury have significant implications for the Rwandan Ministry of Defence and Zigama. The move freezes any assets that the two entities may have in the US or under the control of US persons. It also prohibits US individuals and companies from engaging in transactions with the sanctioned entities, unless specifically authorised. The US government has urged Rwanda to take concrete steps to address the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted in significant human suffering and displacement. The US government's decision to impose sanctions on the Rwandan Ministry of Defence and Zigama reflects its concern over the situation and its commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region. The move is also seen as a signal to other countries in the region to refrain from supporting armed groups and to work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Key points
- The US Treasury has sanctioned the Rwandan Ministry of Defence over its support for the M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- The sanctions also target Zimbabwe-based company Zigama, which is accused of facilitating payments for the purchase of arms and equipment for the Rwandan Defence Force.
- The move aims to pressure Rwanda to cease its support for the M23 rebels and withdraw its troops from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
