Rebels: US sanctions Rwanda's defence ministry over Congo war

The United States has imposed sanctions on Rwanda’s defence ministry, accusing Kigali of supporting the M23 rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Rwanda must halt its backing for M23 and withdraw troops from eastern DRC. The measures come months after Rwanda and DR Congo signed a US-brokered peace agreement, yet fighting has continued since January 2025, when M23 seized Goma and Bukavu. Washington alleges thousands of Rwandan troops fought with M23 and that Rwanda’s supply chains benefit from minerals taken from rebel-held areas. DR Congo welcomed the sanctions, while Rwanda denies involvement.