The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has welcomed the decision by the United States Department of the Treasury, through its Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), to impose sanctions on the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and four of its senior officials over their alleged direct involvement alongside the March 23 Movement (M23) in military operations on Congolese territory.
In a press statement issued on Monday, the DRC Ministry of Communication and Media described the sanctions as a clear signal in support of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, justice, and the effective implementation of commitments made under the Washington Agreements.
The government said the measures underscore the need for coherence between diplomatic commitments and realities on the ground.
“We recall that the lasting stabilization of the eastern part of the country and the Great Lakes region depends on the cessation of all support to armed groups, strict respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, and adherence to the principles of international law,” the statement read.
Kinshasa also expressed deep gratitude to the United States for what it called its continued involvement, determination, and leadership in efforts to restore peace in the DRC and the wider Great Lakes region.
“It encourages the United States to continue, with the consistency and sense of responsibility that characterize its commitment, efforts to ensure respect for the undertakings made and the achievement of lasting and definitive peace in the region,” the government added.
The DRC government reaffirmed its commitment, alongside regional and international partners, to fully restoring peace, security, and state authority across the national territory.
Sanctioned Officials
The sanctioned RDF officials include:
- Vincent Nyakarundi, Army Chief of Staff of the RDF and a senior commander of the land forces, accused of overseeing operations in support of M23.
- Ruki Karusisi, a Major General and commander of the RDF’s 5th Infantry Division, previously head of the Special Operations Forces, alleged to have supervised operations backing M23.
- Mubarakh Muganga, Chief of Defence Staff of the RDF, who previously served as Army Chief of Staff and is accused of playing a key role in planning and commanding RDF operations in eastern DRC.
- Stanislas Gashugi, appointed Special Operations Force Commander in March 2025, replacing Karusisi.
U.S. Allegations
According to the U.S. government, the RDF has provided direct operational support to M23 and its affiliates. It alleges that Rwanda deployed advanced military equipment to eastern DRC, including GPS jamming systems, air defense systems, drones, and other materiel.
The U.S. further claims that thousands of RDF troops are deployed across eastern DRC, actively engaging in combat operations and facilitating M23’s territorial control. It also accuses the RDF of training M23 fighters at military facilities and supporting recruitment efforts, including among refugees.
Additionally, Washington alleges that, with RDF support, M23 has been involved in extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and torture. In January 2025, RDF forces allegedly attacked Congolese armed forces, the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC, and defensive positions of the UN stabilization mission.
The RDF was designated under Executive Order 13413, as amended, for actions deemed to threaten the peace, security, and stability of the DRC, including providing material and logistical support to M23. The four officials were designated as leaders of an entity accused of engaging in such activities.
Sanctions Implications
As a result of the action, all property and interests in property of the designated individuals and the RDF that are in the United States or under the control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. Entities owned 50 percent or more, directly or indirectly, by the sanctioned individuals are also subject to blocking.
Unless authorized by OFAC, U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions involving the property or interests of blocked persons. Violations may result in civil or criminal penalties. Non-U.S. persons may also face sanctions exposure for facilitating prohibited transactions or attempting to evade U.S. sanctions.
OFAC noted that while sanctions are a powerful enforcement tool, their ultimate objective is not punishment but to encourage positive changes in behavior and promote peace and stability.
