US sanctions Rwandan army and top officials for supporting M23 in DRC

Al JazeeraEN 2 min read 100% complete by By AP and ReutersMarch 3, 2026 at 07:52 AM

AI Summary

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In March 2026, the United States sanctioned the Rwandan military and four top officials for providing direct support to the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The US Treasury Department stated that M23's territorial gains in eastern DRC would not have been possible without Rwandan backing. The sanctioned individuals include high-ranking officers within the Rwandan Defence Force. The US State Department noted M23's continued capture of territory despite a US-mediated peace agreement signed in December. The US has long maintained that the M23 is responsible for human rights abuses. Rwanda has rejected allegations of supporting the M23.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

North Kivu 80% South Kivu 80% Democratic Republic of the Congo ×2100% M23 ×3100% Vincent Nyakarundi 100% United States ×2100% Mubarakh Muganga 100% Stanislas Gashugi 100% Donald Trump 100% Ruki Karusisi 100% Rwanda ×2100%

Keywords

m23 rebel group 90% us sanctions 90% drc 80% rwandan army 80% military support 70% human rights abuses 60% territorial gains 60% united nations 50% peace deal 50%