NAIROBI, Kenya- The United States has imposed sanctions on Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence and Zigama Credit and Savings Society, accusing them of supporting the M23 armed group in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The US Treasury Department announced the measures on Tuesday, October 28, saying Rwanda Defence Force troops had fought alongside M23 in North and South Kivu and supplied the group with weapons, equipment, logistics and training.
The US also said the troops introduced surface-to-air missiles and jamming equipment that posed risks to civilian aviation. These are allegations made by the US government.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington was acting to enforce commitments under the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity, signed by the DRC and Rwanda in December 2025.
“Rwanda must halt its support for M23 and withdraw its troops from eastern DRC,” he said.
US alleges Zigama helped finance military supplies
The sanctions also target Zigama Credit and Savings Society, a financial institution that serves Rwanda’s security services.
Treasury alleges that Zigama arranged payments for weapons, ammunition and other military equipment, as well as travel and accommodation linked to military training.
The department further alleges that the institution facilitated financial transactions for M23 and its political wing, the Congo River Alliance, and helped move gold from areas controlled by the armed group to Kigali.
The US says minerals from M23-held areas, including gold and coltan, enter regional supply chains amid forced labour, dangerous working conditions and illegal taxation of civilians.
The designations were made under Executive Order 13413, as amended.
Treasury said property belonging to the designated entities within US jurisdiction will be blocked, and transactions involving them by US persons or through the United States are generally prohibited unless authorised.
Sanctions test Washington peace deal
The Washington Accords were signed by the presidents of Rwanda and the DRC on December 4, 2025, with US President Donald Trump as a witness.
The agreement reaffirmed the parties’ commitment to peaceful relations and regional cooperation, including economic integration and investment.
The new sanctions follow a US action in March targeting the Rwanda Defence Force and four senior officers over alleged support for M23.
Rwanda’s government criticised that action as “one-sided,” saying it misrepresented the conflict.
M23 seized the eastern DRC cities of Goma and Bukavu in 2025, and fighting has continued despite diplomatic efforts.
The latest US action increases pressure on Kigali to withdraw its forces and stop backing the group, while also warning companies and other partners to scrutinise mineral supply chains linked to the conflict.
