U.S. Sanctions Rwandan Military Over M23 Support

On March 23, 2023, the U.S. State Department announced sanctions against four senior officials of the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) due to their direct operational support for the March 23 Movement (M23), an armed group active in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The sanctions were implemented as a response to the RDF's role in enabling M23 to seize Congolese territory, including key locations such as Goma and Bukavu. The U.S.

Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) blocked the financial interests of the sanctioned officials, which include General Mubarakh Muganga, Major General Vincent Nyakarundi, Major General Ruki Karusisi, and Brigadier General Stanisla Gashugi. In response, Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo condemned the sanctions as unjust and accused the Congolese side of violating ceasefire terms.

The U.S. sanctions come amid rising tensions and fears of broader regional destabilization due to renewed fighting in eastern Congo.