US sanctions Rwanda Defense Ministry over Congo conflict

The United States imposed sanctions on Rwanda’s Ministry of Defense, aiming to increase pressure on Kigali to withdraw its forces from the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo and halt support for armed rebel groups operating there. This action comes as fighting continues despite a Washington-brokered agreement between the two nations, according to Bloomberg.

Financial entities targeted by US Treasury

The US Treasury Department also sanctioned Zigama Credit and Savings, a Rwandan financial institution, citing its links to the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group and its political wing, the Congo River Alliance. The M23 has seized territory in eastern Congo.

These measures are part of broader US efforts to compel Kigali to fulfill commitments under an agreement mediated by the United States and signed by Rwandan and Congolese leaders during a ceremony hosted by President Donald Trump in December 2025.

Trump administration enforcement actions

A draft economic framework indicated that Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo would commit to working with third parties, including the United States, to renew mineral supply chains and develop reforms. President Trump frequently cited this deal among his claims of ending conflicts worldwide, though it did not stop the fighting.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated in a release that the United States is fulfilling President Trump’s promise to hold Rwanda accountable for its obligations under the Washington Peace and Prosperity Agreements. He added that Rwanda must cease its support for the M23 movement and remove its troops from eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Prior sanctions and ongoing tensions

Earlier this year, the United States blacklisted the Rwandan Defense Forces, several senior ministers, and officials linked to the M23 military leadership. In June, Washington also sanctioned Gazaboo Gold Refinery, a Rwandan company, for fueling the conflict by processing gold stolen from eastern Congo.

Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo said the Democratic Republic of the Congo had failed to meet its obligations under the agreement. In a text message to Bloomberg on Wednesday, she stated that Rwanda remains ready to fully implement the Washington agreements, provided the DRC is prepared to honor those commitments and the mediator assumes responsibility for holding all parties accountable.

Warnings on resource exploitation

US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigot noted in a Wednesday statement that armed groups and their state backers must not profit from the natural resources of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The statement warned companies about risks associated with supply chains.

Pigot highlighted that civilians in gold and coltan mining areas controlled by the M23, including Rubaya in North Kivu province, face forced labor, hazardous working conditions, and illegal taxation. He urged partners and the private sector to scrutinize their supply chains closely.