US sanctions Rwanda Defence Force, four top military officials

The United States on Monday imposed sanctions against Rwanda's Defence Force (RDF) and four top military officials, according to the US Treasury Department website, as fighting has continued in recent weeks on several fronts in eastern DRC.

Rwanda and Congo signed a peace deal in Washington in December as part of US President Donald Trump's push to broker peace in the region and attract billions of dollars in Western investment.

But fighting has continued, challenging the Trump administration's efforts to bring peace.

Among those targeted on Monday were Vincent Nyakarundi, Rwanda's army chief of staff, the chief of defence staff, and two other Rwandans, according to the Treasury Department website.

"Today, the United States is sanctioning the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) and four senior RDF officers for their direct operational support to the March 23 Movement (M23) and its affiliates in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)," reads part of the statement on the US Treasury Department website.

Rwanda did not immediately respond to a request for comment. However, the US Treasury Department noted that just days after Trump presided over the 4 December 2025 signing of the historic Joint Declaration of the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity with DRC President Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Kagame, Rwanda-backed M23 fighters captured the Congolese city of Uvira, in clear violation of the Washington Accords.

"M23, a US- and UN-sanctioned entity, is responsible for horrific human rights abuses, including summary executions and violence against civilians, including women and children. The continued backing from the RDF and its senior leadership has enabled M23 to capture DRC sovereign territory and continue these grave abuses. The United States stands firm in its support for peace and stability in eastern DRC and the wider region.

The Washington Accords mark a decisive turning point for the Great Lakes region, setting a new course for peace, cooperation, and prosperity among neighbours," the statement adds.

The sanctions reportedly demonstrate the US's resolve to uphold the Washington Accords.

"As President Trump has made clear, the United States is prepared to use all available tools to ensure the DRC and Rwanda deliver on the promises of this historic agreement," the statement adds.