US Treasury Sanctions Rwanda's Defence Ministry for M23 Support

On October 28, 2026, the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced sanctions against Rwanda's Ministry of Defence and Zigama Credit and Savings Society due to their involvement in supporting the M23 rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that this action fulfills President Trump's commitment to hold Rwanda accountable under the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity, signed on December 4, 2025.

The M23 group has been responsible for significant violence and control over key areas in North and South Kivu provinces since its resurgence in 2021. OFAC noted that the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) had deployed troops to support M23, providing them with weapons and logistical assistance.

Zigama Credit and Savings Society was implicated in financing arms transactions and facilitating payments for military operations. As a result of the sanctions, all assets of the designated entities in the US are frozen, and transactions with them are prohibited.