WASHINGTON — The United States has taken decisive action against Rwanda’s military over its continued support for the March 23 Movement (M23) in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, imposing sanctions on the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and four senior officers.
The announcement comes less than three months after the historic signing of the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity, which aimed to foster cooperation and stability in the Great Lakes region.
“Today, the United States is sanctioning the Rwandan Defense Force and four senior RDF officers for their direct operational support to the March 23 Movement and its affiliates in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo,” said Thomas Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson.
He added that the sanctions respond to M23’s capture of Uvira just days after the December 4, 2025 signing of the Washington Accords, describing the attack as “a clear violation of the Washington Accords.”
Pigott said “the continued backing from the RDF and its senior leadership has enabled M23 to capture DR Congo sovereign territory and continue these grave abuses.”
The M23 have repeatedly accused Kinshasa of violating ceasefire agreement, including the February 23 killing of its commander in a drone strike in Rubaya.
The group insists the government troops FARDC and their backers from Wazalendo militia are responsible for gross human rights abuses.
The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said the RDF’s support for M23 included the deployment of thousands of troops, introduction of advanced military equipment such as drones, air defense systems, and GPS jamming devices, as well as training and recruitment support for the rebel group.
“President Trump is the Peace President, and Treasury will use all tools at its disposal to ensure that the parties to the Washington Accords uphold their obligations,” said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent.
He demanded “the immediate withdrawal of Rwanda Defence Force troops, weapons, and equipment.”
The sanctioned officials include:
- Vincent Nyakarundi – Army Chief of Staff of the RDF
- Ruki Karusisi – Commander of the RDF’s 5th Infantry Division
- Mubarakh Muganga – Chief of Defence Staff
- Stanislas Gashugi – Special Operations Force Commander
The Treasury Department said that sanctions block all property and interests in property of the designated RDF officers and the RDF itself that are in the United States or controlled by US persons.
The action prohibits U.S. persons from engaging in transactions with these blocked entities or individuals, with civil and criminal penalties for violations.
The U.S. said the sanctions are intended to enforce compliance with the Washington Accords, which represent “a decisive turning point for the Great Lakes region, setting a new course for peace, cooperation, and prosperity among neighbors,” according to Pigott.
Days after the signing of the Accords, M23 captured Uvira along the DRC-Burundi border, causing civilian deaths and mass displacement.
Despite M23’s subsequent withdrawal, the RDF’s continued support for the group has raised fears of a wider regional conflict.
“The United States stands firm in its support for peace and stability in eastern DRC and the wider region,” Pigott said, warning that Washington will use all available tools to ensure Rwanda and the DRC uphold their commitments.
