US sanctions Rwanda's defence ministry over DR Congo conflict

29 October 2026, 07: 16 GMT. Updated 1 hour ago.

Key points

• When M23 seized the cities of Goma and Bukavu, fighting has continued in eastern DR Congo since early 2025.
• The sanctions are intended to reinforce the Washington Accords, signed by the Congolese and Rwandan presidents in December 2025 under US mediation.
• While Bayern Munich has additionally concluded its commercial partnership with Visit Rwanda, the country's sponsorship of Arsenal concluded in 2026.
• On 24 October, ahead of the sanctions announcement, DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi pressed the international community to rise pressure on Rwanda.
• "Rwanda must halt its support for M23 and withdraw its troops from eastern DRC, " US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent remarked.

Notably, the United States has imposed sanctions on Rwanda's defence ministry over its alleged backing for the M23 rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, increasing pressure on Kigali to withdraw its troops and halt backing for the rebels.

For context, the sanctions come months after Rwanda and DR Congo signed a US-brokered peace agreement aimed at ending the conflict.

When M23 seized the cities of Goma and Bukavu, fighting has continued in eastern DR Congo since early 2025. Rwanda denies backing M23.

For context, the US Treasury notes Rwanda's defence ministry directed thousands of troops to fight alongside M23 in eastern DR Congo, providing weapons, equipment, logistics and training.

In practice, the M23 has seized mineral-rich areas, including gold-mining sites in South Kivu and Rubaya, a major coltan-producing area in North Kivu. Washington notes minerals from rebel-held territory enter Rwanda's supply chains, alleging that Rwanda exports more minerals than it produces.

As rebels offer BBC rare access, inside the Congolese mine vital to mobile phones. The evidence that demonstrates Rwanda is backing rebels in DR Congo.

Meanwhile, the sanctions are intended to reinforce the Washington Accords, signed by the Congolese and Rwandan presidents in December 2025 under US mediation. The accord aimed to end the conflict and expand regional trade and investment, but fighting has continued.

"We must firmly demand that the international community impose concrete sanctions against Rwanda and exert increased pressure, so that we may finally secure a lasting peace in our country, " he remarked.

In an official note to Reuters, DR Congo foreign ministry welcomed the sanctions and pressed Rwanda to honour its commitments under the Washington Accords, respect the UN Charter and withdraw its troops from Congolese territory.

"The Washington Accords contain clear commitments regarding Rwanda's security, specifically the neutralization of the DR Congo- FDLR genocidal militia, which are wholly unmet, and with no accountability, " Rwandan administration spokesperson Yolande Makolo informed the BBC.

Meanwhile, the FDLR is a militia linked to perpetrators of Rwanda's 1994 genocide. Kigali considers it a security threat and cites its presence in eastern DR Congo to justify its military posture.

"Rwanda remains ready to fully implement the Washington Accords, concurrently with the willingness of the DRC to fulfill those commitments, and with the mediator holding all parties accountable, " she remarked.

For context, the US additionally sanctioned Zigama Credit and Savings Society, a popular bank and financial institution serving Rwanda's security services.

Washington alleges it facilitated tens of millions of dollars in transactions for M23 and its political wing, the Congo River Alliance, supported pay for military equipment for Rwandan forces from China and enabled gold to be transported from rebel-controlled areas to Kigali.

Notably, the sanctions freeze the designated entities' assets under US jurisdiction and generally prohibit US individuals and businesses from conducting transactions with them, unless authorised or exempt. Violations can result in penalties for US and foreign parties.

In practice, the measures follow earlier US sanctions against Rwanda's army and four senior military commanders in March 2026. The US imposed further sanctions on Gasabo gold refinery and three mining firms accused of smuggling conflict minerals in June 2026.

Pressure is additionally mounting over Rwanda's international sports partnerships. Two US senators have pressed the National Basketball Association (NBA) to reconsider its commercial relations with Kigali, questioning whether it aligns with the league's stated commitment to human rights.

In a letter sent to NBA commissioner Adam Silver on 23 October, senators Jeff Merkley and Marsha Blackburn questioned the league's continued partnership with Rwanda against the backdrop of allegations of human rights abuses.

Meanwhile, the NBA has yet to matter a substantive response to the letter.

Rwanda has applied sports high-profile sports sponsorship to raise its international profile. Early this month, it secured a 10-year accord to host Formula 1's African Grand Prix in the early 2030s.

Meanwhile, the M23 has lately joined a new rebel coalition, known as the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN) and led by former Congolese President Joseph Kabila. It wants to oust Tshisekedi's administration. More from Rwanda on the BBC. What's the fighting in DR Congo all regarding? Why Rwanda's accord for F1 race remains controversial.

'They shot my neighbour in the head' – the lakeside city traumatised by war. Land of safety – or fear? Why Rwanda divides opinion.

Go to BBCAfrica.com, external for more news from the African continent.

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