The United States has imposed new sanctions on the Rwandan Defense Force (RDF) and four of its top officers over alleged support for the M23 rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The sanctions come after M23 fighters captured the city of Uvira, an act the U.S. described as a “clear violation of the Washington Accords,” a peace agreement aimed at stabilizing the conflict-prone Great Lakes region.
The U.S. State Department stated that M23, already sanctioned by both the United States and the United Nations, has committed serious human rights abuses, including attacks on civilians, women, and children. Washington accused continued RDF backing of enabling M23 to seize territory and carry out these violations.
The sanctions were enacted under Executive Order 13413, giving the U.S. government authority to target individuals and entities contributing to instability in the DRC. Officials emphasized that the move is part of a broader effort to uphold the Washington Accords, which are seen as a pivotal step toward peace and cooperation in the region.
“The United States remains committed to supporting peace and stability in eastern Congo and the Great Lakes region,” said a State Department spokesperson, highlighting that the sanctions demonstrate U.S. determination to ensure compliance with the agreement.
Eastern Congo has long faced armed conflict involving multiple militia groups, with repeated allegations of Rwandan support for M23, though Rwanda has historically denied these claims.
