U.S. Sanctions Rwanda Military Over Congo Conflict

On Monday, the U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions against the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and top military officials, including Army Chief of Staff Vincent Nyakarundi, due to their roles in the ongoing fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The sanctions call for an immediate withdrawal from the mineral-rich region, where Rwanda has long denied allegations of supporting the M23 rebel group, which has been accused of committing severe human rights abuses. The U.S.

State Department stated that the M23's gains would be impossible without Rwandan support. In response, the Rwandan government described the sanctions as unjustly targeting a party to the peace process and distorting the realities of the conflict.

The DRC government welcomed the sanctions as a strong signal supporting its territorial integrity. The M23 rebel group did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The situation remains tense, with accusations of drone attacks by the M23 on strategic locations in Congo.