US imposes sanctions on Rwandan defence ministry over links to Congo rebels

The United States has imposed sanctions on Rwanda’s defence ministry accusing it of helping to sustain the M23 rebel group fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Washington is hoping to increase pressure on Kigali to withdraw troops from its neighbour and end its alleged support for the group and its political wing, the Congo River Alliance.

It has also ⁠imposed sanctions on Zigama Credit and Savings Society, which it said plays a key role in facilitating Rwanda's support for the ​rebels.

The US Treasury Department said the Rwandan ministry of defence directed its army to deploy thousands of troops across eastern Congo's North and South Kivu provinces.

It said Rwandan troops conducted operations alongside the rebels and provided the armed group with ​military equipment, training, and other support.

The United Nations has said that the M23 is backed by Rwanda, an accusation Kigali has repeatedly denied.

Kinshasa’s ministry of foreign affairs has welcomed the sanctions.

They come months after the leaders of Rwanda and the DRC signed a US-brokered peace agreement in Washington aimed at ending the conflict.

So far, this has brought little change on the ground where fighting continues.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the action is intended to hold Kigali accountable for commitments under the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity.

The M23 re-emerged as a major forced in the eastern Congo in 2021, taking control of large swathes of the region and capturing the key cities of Goma and Bukavu in early 2025.

You may also like

Tunisian journalist sentenced to four years in jail on terrorism charges

Libya's eastern administration bans nationals from Iran and Afghanistan

Spain: cranes clear twisted train wreckage as rescuers work through the night

From the same country

US: Nicki Minaj endorses Trump at Michigan Republican rally

All seven candidates to lead UN receive Security Council veto in informal poll

US issues new Iran-related sanctions against 16 individuals, 11 entities

00:42

Tunisian journalist sentenced to four years in jail on terrorism charges

01:07

Libya's eastern administration bans nationals from Iran and Afghanistan

01:00 Spain: cranes clear twisted train wreckage as rescuers work through the night

01:00

US: Nicki Minaj endorses Trump at Michigan Republican rally

00:57 All seven candidates to lead UN receive Security Council veto in informal poll

01:02

US issues new Iran-related sanctions against 16 individuals, 11 entities

00:42

Tunisian journalist sentenced to four years in jail on terrorism charges

01:07

Libya's eastern administration bans nationals from Iran and Afghanistan

01:00 Spain: cranes clear twisted train wreckage as rescuers work through the night

01:00

US: Nicki Minaj endorses Trump at Michigan Republican rally

00:57 All seven candidates to lead UN receive Security Council veto in informal poll

01:02

US issues new Iran-related sanctions against 16 individuals, 11 entities

NEWS 01:18 Calls for slavery reparations grow louder as British king visits Caribbean

NEWS

02:19

Russia-Africa Summit: Putin seeks to expand ties with the continent

NEWS

01:03

Bolsonaro’s son and family flee to Miami after refusing to concede

NEWS 01:10 DRC's former leader Kabila is Rwandan 'proxy,' Tshisekedi tells lawmakers

NEWS

01:32

South African ambassador calls for talks to ease tensions with US

NEWS 00:59 Egypt approves military support for Saudi Arabia amid escalating Houthi attacks

01:05 USA US imposes sanctions on Rwandan defence ministry over links to Congo rebels

02:19 Russia Russia-Africa Summit: Putin seeks to expand ties with the continent

01:18 Bahamas Calls for slavery reparations grow louder as British king visits Caribbean