News|ConflictUS sanctions Rwandan army and top officials for supporting M23 in DRCKinshasa welcomed the sanctions while Kigali said the US move ‘unjustly’ targets Rwanda.
The United States has imposed sanctions on Rwanda's military and four senior officials for providing "direct operational support" to the M23 rebel group. This group has captured significant territory in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The United States has imposed sanctions on Rwanda's military and four senior officials for providing "direct operational support" to the M23 rebel group. This group has captured significant territory in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The US Department of the Treasury stated that the rebels' territorial gains would not have been possible without Rwandan support. The US State Department noted that M23 continued to seize territory in violation of a US-mediated agreement.
The sanctions target Vincent Nyakarundi, Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) army chief of staff; Ruki Karusisi, major-general; Mubarakh Muganga, chief of defense staff; and Stanislas Gashugi, special operations force commander. These individuals are deemed critical to M23's successes.
M23, sanctioned by both the US and the UN, is responsible for severe human rights abuses, including summary executions and violence against civilians, as reported by the State Department.
The United States has imposed sanctions on Rwanda's military and four senior officials for providing "direct operational support" to the M23 rebel group.
Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo criticized the sanctions, claiming they misrepresent the situation in eastern DRC. Rwanda accused the DRC of violating the peace agreement through drone attacks and ground offensives.
The Congolese government welcomed the sanctions, viewing them as support for its territorial integrity and sovereignty. Fighting persists in eastern DRC, despite accords signed in Washington and Qatar.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that the department will employ all available tools to ensure compliance with the Washington Accords. The US expects the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan troops and equipment.
M23 remains active in key areas, including Goma and Bukavu, despite previous agreements. The Treasury Department warned that M23's ongoing presence near Burundi's border risks escalating the conflict into a broader regional war.
The conflict in eastern DRC, involving about 100 armed factions, has led to a significant humanitarian crisis, displacing over seven million people, according to the UN agency for refugees.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
