US Sanctions Rwandan Army Over Support for M23 in DRC

US Sanctions Rwandan Army Over Support for M23 in DRC

The United States has imposed sanctions on Rwanda’s military and four top officials for their alleged support of the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The US Treasury Department announced the sanctions, accusing the Rwandan Defense Force officers of providing critical assistance to M23, which has seized significant territory in eastern DRC. This action follows years of accusations from the DRC, the UN, and Western powers that Rwanda is backing M23. Rwanda has consistently denied these allegations, stating its forces are fully disengaged and committed to peace agreements. The US State Department also noted that M23 continues to capture territory despite a US-mediated peace agreement, further straining relations. The sanctions are seen as a strong signal from the US to uphold the Washington Accords and ensure Rwanda’s compliance with international obligations. The DRC government welcomed the sanctions, emphasizing their support for territorial integrity and sovereignty. Meanwhile, fighting persists in eastern DRC, with M23 holding key cities like Goma and Bukavu despite withdrawals under US pressure. This conflict has displaced over seven million people, according to UN data.