US Treasury sanctions Rwanda's defence ministry for alleged support to M23 rebels in eastern DRC

Washington imposed penalties on Rwanda's defense department and a local credit cooperative, asserting that the ministry orchestrated the movement of thousands of soldiers, arms, and supplies to the M23 insurgents in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The measures were unveiled on 29 October 2026, shortly after the Congolese president Félix Tshisekedi called for stronger international pressure on Kigali.

According to the US Treasury, the sanctions aim to enforce the Washington Accords – a peace agreement signed by the presidents of the DRC and Rwanda in December 2025 under US mediation. The Accords were intended to end hostilities and promote regional trade, but fighting has persisted since M23 seized the cities of Goma and Bukavu in January 2025. According to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Rwanda is required to cease aiding M23 and pull its military forces out of the eastern DRC.

Background

Hostilities in the eastern DRC escalated after the M23 rebel faction seized significant mineral-rich locations in North and South Kivu, which included gold extraction sites in South Kivu and the coltan-producing region of Rubaya. Washington alleges that minerals extracted from rebel‑controlled territory are funneled into Rwanda’s supply chains, with Rwanda exporting more minerals than it produces domestically. The DRC government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of backing M23 and plundering these resources.

Rwanda denies any involvement with the rebels. In a statement to the BBC, government spokesperson Yolande Makolo said Rwanda remains ready to fully implement the Washington Accords, provided the DRC also fulfills its commitments, particularly the neutralisation of the FDLR militia, which Rwanda views as a security threat linked to the 1994 genocide.

The US sanctions also include Zigama Credit and Savings Society, a financial institution that serves Rwanda’s security services. Washington alleges that the financial institution processed tens of millions of dollars in payments for M23 and its political affiliate, Congo Ri, thereby further connecting Rwanda's banking system to the insurgent organization.

Why it matters

The sanctions place additional diplomatic and economic pressure on Kigali, signalling that the United States is willing to use financial tools to enforce compliance with the Washington Accords. For the DRC, the measures are welcomed as a step toward compelling Rwanda to withdraw its forces and cease support for M23, which could help stabilise the mineral‑rich eastern provinces.

The DRC foreign ministry welcomed the sanctions, urging Rwanda to respect the UN Charter and honour its commitments under the Accords. Conversely, Rwanda’s spokesperson highlighted the unresolved issue of the FDLR militia, suggesting that any withdrawal of Rwandan troops must be matched by DRC action against that group.

The sanctions also target the broader regional economy, as the alleged illicit mineral trade has implications for global supply chains of gold and coltan, essential for electronics and automotive industries. By disrupting financial links, the United States aims to reduce funding for the rebel group and curb the flow of conflict minerals.

What happens next

The United States has not detailed further enforcement steps, but the sanctions signal a readiness to act should Rwanda fail to meet the Accords’ terms. The DRC government is expected to monitor compliance and may seek additional international measures if violations persist. Rwanda has reiterated its willingness to implement the Accords, contingent on the DRC addressing the FDLR threat, suggesting that diplomatic negotiations may continue alongside the sanctions regime.