President Kagame on USA Imposed Sanctions on Rwanda Defence Force and Four Senior Generals Over Alleged Support to M23

The United States has imposed sanctions on the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and four of its senior generals over what it describes as “direct operational support” to the M23 rebel group fighting the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

According to the U.S. government, the alleged support violates the Washington Peace Agreement signed on December 4, 2025, between Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC President Félix Tshisekedi in Washington, D.C.

In recent past days, the president Kagame said that when sanctions are imposed on Rwanda and the RDF, those imposing them never clearly tell you what exactly you must do to avoid them. "You are punished without precise guidance, judged without transparent standards, and expected to guess what will satisfy the accuser. That is neither partnership nor fairness.”

Officials Sanctioned

The four senior officers sanctioned are:

• General Mubarakh Muganga, Chief of Defence Staff of the RDF

• Major General Vincent Nyakarundi, Commander of the Rwanda Land Forces

• Major General Ruki Karusisi, Commander of the Fifth Division and former head of the Special Operations Force

• Brigadier General Stanislas Gashugi, current head of the Special Operations Force

These measures mark the first major U.S. sanctions targeting the RDF and its top leadership since fighting between M23 and the Congolese army, known as the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, resumed nearly five years ago.

Previously, in 2023 and 2025, the U.S. sanctioned retired General James Kabarebe and Brigadier General Andrew Nyamvumba.

Nature of the Sanctions

The U.S. Treasury Department announced that all property and interests in property of the sanctioned individuals within the United States are blocked. Any entities owned 50 percent or more, directly or indirectly, by the designated persons are also subject to sanctions.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that President Donald Trump is a “President of Peace” and that the Treasury Department would use all available tools to ensure compliance with the Washington Agreement.

He called for the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan troops, weapons, and equipment from eastern DRC.

U.S. Allegations

The United States alleges that, as Chief of Defence Staff, General Muganga played a central role in planning and directing RDF operations in eastern DRC.

Major General Nyakarundi was sanctioned as head of the land forces, which the U.S. claims carried out military operations supporting M23.

Major General Karusisi was designated for overseeing military activities in support of M23 during his tenure as head of Special Operations, while Brigadier General Gashugi was sanctioned as his successor.

Washington further claims that the RDF has provided direct operational assistance to M23, including advanced military equipment such as armed drones and air defense systems. The U.S. estimates that thousands of RDF soldiers are currently operating in eastern DRC alongside M23 forces.

The U.S. also alleges that RDF has trained M23 fighters in Rwandan military facilities and assisted in recruitment efforts, including from refugee populations.

According to Washington, M23—allegedly supported by RDF—has committed unlawful killings, arbitrary detentions, and acts of torture. M23 has previously denied similar accusations and has not immediately responded to the latest claims.

M23 currently controls significant territory in eastern DRC, including parts of North and South Kivu provinces, notably the cities of Goma and Bukavu.

The United States also claims that Rwanda’s alleged support has enabled access to mineral-rich areas in eastern DRC, generating revenue that sustains M23 operations. Washington warns that continued RDF involvement risks escalating the conflict into a broader regional war.

Rwanda’s Response

The Government of Rwanda rejected the sanctions, describing them as unfair and one-sided.

In a statement, Rwanda’s government spokesperson’s office said the measures “target only one side of the peace process,” misrepresenting and distorting the realities of the conflict in eastern DRC.

Rwanda accused the DRC of repeatedly violating ceasefire agreements through drone and ground attacks, which it says have caused civilian casualties. It emphasized that protecting national security is a matter of honor for the RDF.

Kigali further argued that although the DRC committed under the Washington Agreement to cease support for the FDLR rebel group and allied militias known as “Wazalendo,” it has taken no concrete steps to fulfill that obligation.

Rwanda stated that it remains committed to withdrawing its forces, provided that the DRC simultaneously implements its own commitments.

DRC’s Reaction

The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo welcomed the U.S. sanctions, calling them a strong signal in support of the country’s territorial integrity and the implementation of the Washington Agreement.

In a statement, Kinshasa said the measures confirm the importance of aligning diplomatic commitments with realities on the ground. The DRC government emphasized that lasting peace in eastern Congo and the Great Lakes region requires an end to all support for armed groups, strict respect for national sovereignty, and adherence to international law.

The DRC thanked the United States for its continued leadership and engagement in efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.

Broader Context

The conflict in eastern DRC reignited in late 2021, although instability in the region has persisted for nearly three decades. The United States maintains that it strongly supports peace and security in eastern Congo and the wider Great Lakes region.

In a recent national address, President Trump stated that within the first ten months of his administration, he had ended eight conflicts worldwide, including what he described as the war between the DRC and Rwanda.