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US sanctions Rwanda's defense ministry over its role in eastern Congo fighting

Associated Press reports the U.S. sanctions target Rwanda's defense ministry over troops and support for M23 rebels in eastern Congo.

Updated Oct 29, 2026 · 14:17 UTC3 reports

The short version

  • The U.S. sanctioned Rwanda's defense ministry on Wednesday over its involvement in eastern Congo's conflict.[Associated Press]
  • Treasury says Rwandan troops in North and South Kivu operate alongside M23 and supply it with equipment, logistics and training.[Associated Press]
  • Zigama Credit and Savings Society was also sanctioned for facilitating Rwanda's support for M23 and its political wing.[Associated Press]
  • Rwanda says it remains ready to implement the Washington Accords, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent demands Rwanda halt support and withdraw troops.[Associated Press]

Key facts

  • The U.S. imposed sanctions on Rwanda's defense ministry on Wednesday over the country's involvement in eastern Congo.[Associated Press]
  • The U.S. Treasury Department said Rwandan defense ministry forces deployed thousands of troops across North and South Kivu provinces to operate alongside M23 and provide military equipment, supplies, logistical support and training.[Associated Press]
  • On Wednesday, the U.S. also sanctioned Zigama Credit and Savings Society, which it said helped facilitate Rwanda's support for M23 and its political wing, the Congo River Alliance.[Associated Press]
  • Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo said Rwanda remains ready to fully implement the Washington Accords, concurrently with the DRC's willingness to fulfill its commitments.[Associated Press]
  • U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on social media that Rwanda must halt its support for M23 and withdraw its troops from eastern DRC.[Associated Press]

What remains uncertain

  • Rwanda's position links implementation of the Washington Accords to the DRC fulfilling its commitments, a condition the U.S. has not addressed in the reporting.[Associated Press]
  • The reporting does not establish whether Rwanda will halt support for M23 or withdraw its troops, as Bessent demanded.[Associated Press]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.