The U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned Rwanda's Ministry of Defence and Zigama Credit and Savings Society, a Rwandan financial institution, for supporting M23, a U.S.- and United Nations-designated armed group that has seized territory in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The sanctions followed Rwanda's failure to uphold the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity, signed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda on December 4, 2025. "Rwanda must halt its support for M23 and withdraw its troops from eastern DRC," said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
M23 has captured key population centers and mining areas in eastern DRC with support from Rwanda's security apparatus, which has deployed thousands of troops and provided military equipment, logistics, and training. The armed group has perpetrated human rights abuses, subjected civilians to exploitation and forced labor, and contributed to a severe humanitarian crisis marked by mass displacement.
Since its rebellion reemerged in 2021, M23 has carried out extrajudicial killings, unlawful detentions, and torture or other physical abuses in areas under its control. In early 2025, M23 captured Goma and Bukavu, the provincial capitals of North and South Kivu provinces. The armed group also took control of mining areas including gold mines in South Kivu province and Rubaya, an expansive coltan mining area in North Kivu province.
Rwanda's Ministry of Defence directs the Rwanda Defence Force, which the Treasury had previously sanctioned in March 2026. The RDF has deployed thousands of troops in eastern DRC and introduced advanced weaponry to the battlefield, including surface-to-air missile systems and jamming equipment, creating risks for civilian aviation.
Zigama facilitated payments to entities in China and other countries for weapons, ammunition, and military equipment for the RDF. The financial institution also arranged payments for RDF training activities and travel. Additionally, Zigama enabled the transportation of gold sourced from M23-controlled mining areas to Kigali and facilitated tens of millions of dollars in financial transactions for M23 and the Congo River Alliance.
The Treasury said all property and interests in property of the designated entities in the United States or in the possession of U.S. persons are blocked. Violations of U.S. sanctions may result in civil or criminal penalties.