US sanctions Rwanda's military and top commanders over fighting in DR Congo

March 3, 2026

The United States has imposed sanctions on Rwanda's military and four senior commanders for allegedly supporting the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo, despite a US-brokered peace agreement signed in December. The sanctions target Rwanda's army chief and other high-ranking officials, freezing their US assets and prohibiting American financial transactions with them. Rwanda has rejected these accusations, claiming it maintains a military presence in the region purely for defensive purposes and accusing Congo of violating ceasefire terms through drone attacks and ground operations.

Who is affected

The Rwandan army (Rwanda Defence Force/RDF) and four senior commanders: Vincent Nyakarundi (army chief of staff), Ruki Karusisi (commander of the 5th Infantry Division), Mubarakh Muganga (chief of defence staff), and Stanislas Gashugi (head of special operations)
The M23 rebel group
Civilians in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly women and children experiencing human rights abuses
The Congolese government
Thousands of displaced people who fled after M23 captured Uvira
US individuals and entities (now barred from financial transactions with sanctioned parties)

What action is being taken

The US treasury department is imposing sanctions that freeze assets and bar financial transactions with the RDF and four officers
The RDF is deploying thousands of troops across eastern DR Congo and engaging in combat operations
The RDF is introducing advanced military equipment including GPS jamming systems, air defense equipment, and drones to the battlefield
The M23 rebels are maintaining presence near Burundi's border
DR Congo is conducting drone attacks and ground offensives (according to Rwanda's claims)

Why it matters

This conflict threatens to escalate into a broader regional war, particularly given the M23's continued presence near Burundi's border. The fighting is causing horrific human rights abuses including summary executions and violence against civilians, especially women and children. The mineral-rich eastern Congo region contains critical reserves of copper and cobalt essential for manufacturing batteries used in mobile phones and electric vehicles, making stability in the region important for global supply chains. The 30-year conflict has created persistent instability since the 1994 Rwandan genocide, and the violation of the recent peace agreement undermines hopes for lasting peace in the region.

What's next

The US expects the immediate withdrawal of Rwanda Defence Force troops, weapons, and equipment
The Trump administration has stated it is prepared to use all available tools to ensure Rwanda and DR Congo deliver on their promises from the peace deal

Read full article from source: BBC