The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and four senior officials, citing their support for the March 23 Movement (M23), an armed group already sanctioned by both the United States and the United Nations. The RDF is accused of aiding M23 in seizing territory in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), including key cities and mining sites.
According to Treasury officials, M23’s recent offensives in eastern DRC would not have been possible without direct assistance from the RDF and its leadership. “President Trump is the Peace President, and Treasury will use all tools at its disposal to ensure that the parties to the Washington Accords uphold their obligations,” said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. “We expect the immediate withdrawal of Rwanda Defence Force troops, weapons, and equipment.”
Following a meeting between President Donald J. Trump, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, and Rwandan President Paul Kagame for the signing of the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity, M23 forces captured Uvira near the DRC-Burundi border. This operation led to civilian deaths and mass displacement. Despite leaving Uvira afterward, M23’s continued activity along with RDF support poses risks of escalating regional conflict. The International Contact Group for the Great Lakes issued a joint statement condemning these actions and called for RDF withdrawal from eastern DRC.
The press release states that thousands of RDF troops are present in eastern DRC, where they provide advanced military equipment such as GPS jamming systems, drones, air defense gear, and other materiel to M23 fighters. The RDF is also alleged to train M23 members at its military centers and assist with recruitment efforts targeting refugees.
Reports indicate that with this support from Rwanda’s military, M23 has committed extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, torture, and attacks against Congolese armed forces as well as international peacekeeping missions earlier this year. In return for backing M23 operations, Rwanda reportedly gains access to mineral-rich areas in eastern DRC that help finance ongoing conflict.
The four sanctioned individuals are Vincent Nyakarundi (Army Chief of Staff), Ruki Karusisi (Major General commanding 5th Infantry Division), Mubarakh Muganga (Chief of Defence Staff), and Stanislas Gashugi (Special Operations Force Commander). All are being designated under Executive Order 13413 for their roles as leaders within an entity responsible for actions threatening peace or stability in DRC.
Under these sanctions, any property or interests belonging to these individuals or entities owned by them within U.S. jurisdiction are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. Transactions involving blocked persons are generally prohibited unless specifically authorized by OFAC regulations or licenses.
Violations may result in civil or criminal penalties for both U.S. citizens and foreign nationals who cause violations or attempt to evade restrictions. Financial institutions engaging with designated persons may also face penalties under strict liability standards set out by OFAC enforcement guidelines.
The Treasury Department notes that sanctions can be lifted if behavior changes occur: “The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior.” Information about seeking removal from sanction lists is available through OFAC guidance resources.
