Rwanda defence ministry faces US sanctions over rebel support in DR Congo

The United States has designated Rwanda's defence ministry under economic sanctions, citing Kigali's ongoing military involvement alongside M23 insurgents operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that Rwanda must end its assistance to the rebel faction and pull its forces out of Congolese territory. The sanctions effectively block any property held by the ministry under American jurisdiction and bar United States citizens and businesses from carrying out transactions with it.

Alongside the defence ministry, the US Treasury placed sanctions on Zigama Credit and Savings Society, a financial body tailored to Rwandan security personnel. Officials in Washington stated that the cooperative handled tens of millions of dollars on behalf of M23 and its political wing, facilitated the purchase of Chinese military supplies for Rwandan units, and assisted in transferring gold extracted from rebel-held zones into Kigali.

The measures build on earlier economic penalties imposed by Washington, including restrictions applied to Rwanda's military and top commanders in March 2026, as well as sanctions targeting the Gasabo gold refinery and three mineral enterprises in June 2026 over the illicit trade of resources.

US officials maintain that the Rwandan military deployed thousands of soldiers to back the insurgents, supplying armaments, logistical networks, and operational training. The M23 rebellion has taken control of vital mining hubs across eastern Congo, including significant coltan deposits in Rubaya and gold sites in South Kivu. Washington alleges these minerals are being integrated into Rwandan supply chains, pointing out that Rwandan mineral exports surpass domestic production capacity.

The punitive steps follow the Washington Accords, a peace framework agreed by the leaders of both nations under American mediation in December 2025. That initiative sought to halt hostilities and foster regional commerce, yet armed clashes have persisted following earlier rebel advances that captured regional centres including Goma and Bukavu.

Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi had called on foreign governments to take punitive action against Rwanda to help secure peace. The Congolese foreign ministry welcomed the latest measures, urging Kigali to adhere to international law and withdraw its personnel.

Rwanda has consistently denied providing backing to the M23. Speaking to the BBC, government spokesperson Yolande Makolo argued that the Washington agreement required the dismantling of the FDLR, an armed group tied to the 1994 genocide against Tutsis in Rwanda, which Kigali views as an existential threat supported by Kinshasa. Makolo stated that Rwanda is prepared to honour the accords whenever the Congolese authorities do the same.

Scrutiny is also extending to Rwanda's global cultural and athletic initiatives. Two US senators, Jeff Merkley and Marsha Blackburn, recently wrote to the National Basketball Association requesting that the league examine its commercial ties with Kigali in light of human rights concerns. While Rwanda recently struck an agreement to stage an African Formula 1 race in the 2030s, promotional arrangements with European football sides Arsenal and Bayern Munich concluded earlier this year.