By Basant El-Faramawy
The United States imposed sanctions on Rwanda's Ministry of Defense on Wednesday over its involvement in the mineral-rich eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where fighting persists between the Congolese government and Rwandan-backed M23 rebels despite peace efforts by the Trump administration.
Treasury targets ministry and financial institution
The U.S. Treasury Department said the ministry deployed thousands of troops across North and South Kivu provinces, where they operate alongside M23 and provide military equipment, supplies, logistical support, and training. Rwandan authorities have also introduced advanced weaponry, including surface-to-air missile systems and jamming equipment, creating risks for civilian aviation, the statement added.
In a related move, the Treasury sanctioned Zigama Credit and Savings Society, a Rwandan financial institution accused of playing a key role in facilitating Rwanda's support for M23 and its political wing, the Congo River Alliance.
Peace agreement shows little impact
The sanctions follow a U.S.-mediated peace agreement signed late last year by Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Washington alongside President Donald Trump. Trump had declared the deal a success, but fighting has continued on the ground.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on social media that Rwanda must halt its support for M23 and withdraw its troops from eastern DRC. Earlier this year, the U.S. sanctioned the Rwandan Defense Forces and four senior officials for supporting the rebel group.
Decades-long conflict fuels humanitarian crisis
M23 is one of about 100 armed groups vying for control in eastern Congo, a decades-long conflict that has created one of the world's largest humanitarian crises. The rebels seized Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, and other key cities in a lightning assault last year. Congo, the United States, and U.N. experts accuse Rwanda of backing M23, while Rwanda's government denies the allegations. The U.N. has described the situation as one of the most protracted and serious humanitarian crises on Earth.
