WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States has warned it may impose sanctions on officials from Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) if they fail to cooperate in efforts to de-escalate the worsening conflict in eastern Congo.
The warning comes ahead of a high-stakes regional summit in Tanzania aimed at addressing the crisis.
According to a diplomatic note, Washington is pressing for the withdrawal of Rwandan military forces and advanced weaponry from Congolese territory, calling it a necessary step toward stability in the region.
The note, sent Friday to Kenya, which chairs the East African Community and has played a mediating role, underscores the U.S. stance on holding both sides accountable.
“As we make these demands of both parties, we will consider sanctions against the non-cooperators, including military and government officials in both governments,” the diplomatic message stated.
The conflict in eastern Congo has intensified as M23 rebels—widely believed to be backed by Rwanda—have seized Goma, the regional capital, and are advancing toward more territory, including the mining town of Mweso in South Kivu province.
The Congolese government, the United Nations, and several Western countries accuse Kigali of supporting the rebels, allegations Rwanda has repeatedly denied.
The summit, which began on Friday, could see Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame meet face-to-face amid mounting international pressure.
The outcome of these talks may determine the trajectory of the crisis, which has already led to significant casualties and displacement.
In July, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on the Congo River Alliance, a coalition of rebel groups that includes M23, in an effort to curb the violence.
However, the situation has continued to deteriorate. Since capturing Goma, M23 fighters have pressed on despite declaring a unilateral ceasefire, raising concerns over their true intentions.
The humanitarian toll has been severe. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimated Wednesday that at least 2,800 people have been killed in recent fighting in Goma alone.
Meanwhile, U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk warned the U.N. Human Rights Council that incidents of sexual violence, including rape and sexual slavery, are likely to surge as the conflict rages on.
The U.S. threat of sanctions signals growing international frustration with the lack of progress in resolving the crisis.
With the region on the brink of further bloodshed, all eyes are on the Tanzanian summit to see whether diplomacy can defuse one of Africa’s most volatile conflicts.
