US sanctions put President Kagame on the spot over Rwanda military role in Congo crisis
The United States has imposed sanctions on Rwanda’s military leadership over its alleged role in backing rebels in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), marking a sharp turn in relations between Washington and Kigali.
The measures target the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and four senior officers, including army chief of staff Vincent Nyakarundi. The sanctions will freeze any assets held in the United States and criminalise financial transactions involving the named individuals and the RDF.
US accuses Rwanda of backing M23
Washington accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23, a rebel movement operating in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The mineral-rich region has endured decades of instability, but violence intensified last year as M23 captured key towns and strategic mining areas, displacing thousands.
According to the US State Department, Rwanda’s continued backing of M23 enabled the group to seize Congolese territory and commit grave human rights abuses, including summary executions and violence against civilians.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States expects the “immediate withdrawal” of RDF troops, weapons and equipment from eastern DRC, alleging that thousands of Rwandan troops are actively engaged in combat operations there.
Trump’s peace deal under strain
The sanctions come months after US President Donald Trump brokered a December peace agreement between Rwanda and the DRC, predicting what he called a “great miracle.” The deal was also framed as a pathway to secure critical mineral supplies from the DRC.
Trump had previously struck a positive tone toward Rwandan President Paul Kagame, particularly over Kigali’s willingness to accept migrants deported from the United States — a key political objective for Washington.
Kigali pushes back
Rwanda rejected the sanctions, calling them unjust and accusing Washington of targeting only one side of the conflict while “misrepresenting the reality and distorting the facts.” Kigali maintains that its involvement in eastern DRC is aimed at countering militias linked to perpetrators of the 1994 genocide against Tutsis.
Rwanda has long accused Kinshasa of failing to neutralise Hutu militias operating in eastern Congo, some of whom are accused of participating in the genocide and later fleeing across the border.
Kinshasa welcomes move
The Congolese government welcomed the sanctions, describing them as a clear signal of US support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Outmatched by M23 fighters and alleged Rwandan support, Kinshasa has increasingly relied on diplomatic pressure from Washington and regional actors to stabilise the front line.
The sanctions signal growing frustration in Washington over the deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC — and raise fresh questions over the durability of the US-brokered peace deal.
