The United States has imposed sanctions on Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence and Zigama Credit and Savings Society over their alleged support for the M23 armed group in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The US Department of the Treasury announced the measures on October 28, accusing Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence of directing thousands of Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) troops to operate alongside M23 in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. According to the department, the troops have provided the armed group with weapons, military equipment, supplies, logistical support and training.
Zigama Credit and Savings Society, a Rwandan financial institution operating on behalf of the country’s security services, was also designated. The Treasury said it had facilitated payments to companies in China and other countries for weapons, ammunition and military equipment for the RDF, as well as payments for military personnel’s travel and accommodation during training activities.
The US department further alleged that a branch of Zigama enabled the transportation to Kigali of gold originating from areas under M23 control in eastern DRC. It also said the institution had facilitated financial transactions for M23 and the Congo River Alliance worth tens of millions of dollars.
Rwanda rejected the accusations. Government spokesperson Yolande Makolo said Kigali remained ready to implement the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity, signed by Rwanda and the DRC on December 4, 2025. She added that this depended on the DRC fulfilling its own commitments, including the neutralization of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed group operating in eastern DRC.
The Congolese government welcomed the sanctions and called on Rwanda to comply with the Washington Accords and withdraw its troops from the country.
Under the measures, assets belonging to the designated entities within US jurisdiction, or held or controlled by US persons, are blocked. US persons are generally prohibited from conducting transactions involving their property unless authorized by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) or covered by an exemption.
The sanctions are part of Washington’s efforts to press Rwanda to end its support for M23 and withdraw its forces from eastern DRC, where fighting has continued despite diplomatic efforts.
