M23 rebels escort government soldiers and police who surrendered to an undisclosed location in Goma, Democratic republic of the Congo, Jan. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Moses Sawasawa, File)

The United States has imposed sanctions on Rwanda’s defence ministry, accusing it of supporting the M23 rebel group fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The sanctions are aimed at increasing pressure on Kigali to withdraw its troops from eastern Congo and end its alleged support for the rebels and their political wing, the Congo River Alliance.

Washington has also sanctioned Zigama Credit and Savings Society, accusing the financial institution of playing a key role in facilitating Rwanda’s support for the armed group.

The US Treasury Department said Rwanda’s defence ministry directed its army to deploy thousands of troops across North and South Kivu provinces in eastern Congo.

It added that Rwandan troops had conducted operations alongside M23 fighters and provided the group with military equipment, training and other support.

The United Nations has also said Rwanda backs the M23 rebels, an allegation the Rwandan government has repeatedly denied.

Kinshasa’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed the sanctions, which come months after the leaders of Rwanda and the DRC signed a US-brokered peace agreement in Washington aimed at ending the conflict.

However, the agreement has so far brought little change on the ground, as fighting continues in eastern Congo.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the sanctions were intended to hold Kigali accountable for its commitments under the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity.

The M23 re-emerged as a major force in eastern Congo in 2021, seizing large areas of territory before capturing the key cities of Goma and Bukavu in early 2025. (Arise News)