U.S. Treasury Sanctions Rwandan Officials Over Support to M23 in DRC

March 2, 2026 – WASHINGTON. The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) and four of its senior officials for their support to the M23 armed group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). M23, sanctioned by both the U.S. and the United Nations, is responsible for widespread human rights abuses and mass displacement in eastern DRC.

The RDF reportedly provided training, military equipment, and direct operational support to M23, participating in offensives in Goma, Bukavu, and Uvira. In January 2025, it attacked Congolese forces and UN and SADC mission positions. The sanctions target Vincent Nyakarundi, Ruki Karusisi, Mubarakh Muganga, and Stanislas Gashugi, as well as the RDF itself.

All property and interests of the sanctioned individuals and entities located in the United States, or controlled by U.S. persons, are now blocked. The U.S. calls for the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan troops and equipment from eastern DRC, urging compliance with the Washington Agreements to ensure peace and regional stability.