Washington Targets Rwanda’s Defence Ministry and a Financial Institution, Accusing Kigali of Supporting M23 Rebels
The United States has imposed sanctions on Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence over the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), intensifying pressure on Kigali as diplomatic efforts to end the fighting continue to face challenges.
Announced on Wednesday, October 28, the measures target Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence and Zigama Credit and Savings Society, a financial institution serving Rwanda’s security services. Washington accuses both of supporting the March 23 Movement, known as M23, an armed group operating in eastern DR Congo.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Rwanda must end its support for M23 and withdraw its troops from eastern DR Congo. The Treasury Department alleges that Rwandan forces have deployed thousands of troops in North and South Kivu provinces, conducting operations alongside the rebels and providing military equipment, logistical assistance and training. Rwanda has repeatedly denied supporting the armed group.
Washington also accused Zigama Credit and Savings Society of facilitating financial transactions connected to Rwanda’s military support for the rebels. According to U.S. officials, the institution helped facilitate payments for weapons, ammunition and other military equipment, while a branch allegedly enabled the movement of gold from rebel-controlled areas of DR Congo into Rwanda.
The sanctions come as fighting continues across eastern DR Congo, where M23 has captured significant territory, including major urban centres. The conflict has contributed to widespread displacement and a prolonged humanitarian crisis in the mineral-rich region.
The United Nations and several Western governments have accused Rwanda of backing M23. Kigali rejects those allegations and argues that its security concerns are linked to the presence of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed group with roots in the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Rwanda’s government has said it remains committed to implementing the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity, signed by the leaders of Rwanda and DR Congo in December 2025. However, Kigali maintains that the Congolese government must also fulfil its commitments, including addressing the threat posed by the FDLR.
The Congolese government welcomed the latest sanctions, calling on Rwanda to respect DR Congo’s sovereignty and withdraw its forces. The measures follow earlier U.S. sanctions imposed in March 2026 against the Rwanda Defence Force and several senior military officials over their alleged role in the conflict.
The Trump administration has sought to broker an agreement between the two neighbouring countries, with the aim of ending hostilities and encouraging regional trade and investment. Despite these diplomatic efforts, fighting has continued, raising questions about the effectiveness of the existing peace arrangements.
The latest sanctions represent a further escalation in Washington’s efforts to hold those it accuses of prolonging the conflict accountable. Whether the measures will lead to a withdrawal of forces, a reduction in support for M23 or renewed progress in peace negotiations remains to be seen.
