The United States has imposed sanctions on the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and four of its senior officers over allegations of supporting the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group operating in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The sanctions were announced just days after U.S. President Donald Trump hosted a Washington peace agreement ceremony involving DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. The agreement was aimed at easing long-standing tensions and ending armed conflict in eastern Congo.
However, shortly after the signing of the deal, Rwanda-backed M23 fighters reportedly captured the strategic city of Uvira, a move widely seen as a violation of the peace understanding. The development has raised fresh concerns about the durability of the agreement and the commitment of all parties involved.
M23, which is already under U.S. and United Nations sanctions, has been accused of committing serious human rights abuses, including attacks on civilians and destabilizing communities in eastern Congo. The rebel group has been active in the mineral-rich region, where conflict has persisted for decades.
In a statement, U.S. officials said Washington remains committed to supporting peace and stability in the Great Lakes region. The U.S. government warned that it is prepared to take additional measures to ensure both Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo uphold the terms of the agreement.
The latest sanctions signal growing international frustration over continued fighting in eastern Congo and underscore the fragile nature of diplomatic efforts to bring lasting peace to the region.
