The US Department of State said on October 28 that it is sanctioning Rwanda’s Ministry of Defense and Zigama Credit and Savings Society for allegedly supporting the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

According to the statement, Rwanda’s military is accused of deploying troops, supplying weapons and providing training to M23 fighters in North and South Kivu provinces.

The sanctions are framed as a response to Rwanda’s perceived breach of the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity, signed on 4 December 2025, which pledged to end hostilities and boost trade in the Great Lakes area.

Washington contends that Rwanda’s alleged backing of M23 violates the Accords and undermines regional peace and prosperity goals.

The statement calls on Rwanda to cease all support for M23, withdraw its troops from eastern DRC, and stop any exploitation of the DRC’s natural resources by armed groups or state sponsors.

US officials also highlighted concerns about forced labour, hazardous conditions and illegal taxation in gold and coltan mining areas of North Kivu, such as Rubaya, that are under M23 control.

The department urged international partners and private‑sector firms to examine their supply chains to avoid benefiting from minerals linked to conflict‑related abuses.

The statement concluded by reaffirming US commitment to use all tools available to hold accountable those who prolong the conflict and to respect the DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.