US Sanctions Rwanda Defence Force Over DRC Conflict

The United States has imposed sanctions on the Rwanda===Rwandan Defence Force and four of its top military officials, including Vincent Nyakarundi, Ruki Karusisi, Mubaraka Muganga, and Stanislas Gashugi, for their alleged support of the March 23 Movement in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The United States Treasury Department stated that the March 23 Movement's gains would not have been possible without Rwandan backing, accusing the group of human rights abuses and causing a mass displacement crisis. These sanctions come despite a United States-mediated peace agreement signed in December by Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Paul Kagame of Rwanda, alongside Donald Trump. Rwanda, through its spokesperson Yolande Makolo, has denied the allegations, calling the sanctions unjust and accusing the Democratic Republic of the Congo of violating the peace agreement. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, however, welcomed the sanctions as a strong signal of support for its sovereignty. United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called for the immediate withdrawal of Rwanda===Rwandan Defence Force troops, weapons, and equipment. Negotiations for a peace deal between the Congolese government and the March 23 Movement are ongoing, mediated by Qatar and the United States. The conflict has displaced over 7 million people and risks escalating into a broader regional war, particularly near Burundi's border.