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The United States has imposed sanctions on the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) and four senior military officers over their alleged direct operational support to the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group operating in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The announcement was made on 2 March 2026 by Thomas “Tommy” Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the U.S. Department of State.

According to Washington, the sanctions follow Rwanda’s alleged violation of the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity, a diplomatic agreement signed on 4 December 2025 during a ceremony presided over by U.S. President Donald Trump alongside DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame

U.S. officials accuse the Rwandan Defence Force of providing direct operational backing to M23 fighters, who reportedly seized the strategic city of Uvira in eastern DRC shortly after the signing of the Washington Accords.

The M23 group, already designated as a sanctioned entity by both the United States and the United Nations, has been linked to serious human rights violations in the region. According to the U.S. State Department, these abuses include summary executions, violence against civilians, and attacks targeting women and children.

Washington argues that continued support from RDF leadership has enabled M23 forces to expand their control over Congolese sovereign territory, further destabilising an already volatile region.

In the statement, the United States reaffirmed its commitment to peace and stability in eastern DRC and the broader Great Lakes region.

U.S. officials described the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity as a major diplomatic initiative intended to promote regional cooperation, security, and economic development among neighbouring states.

The sanctions, Washington said, demonstrate the United States’ determination to enforce compliance with the agreement.

“Today’s action demonstrates U.S. resolve to uphold the Washington Accords,” the State Department stated, adding that the United States is prepared to use all available diplomatic and economic tools to ensure that both Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo adhere to the commitments outlined in the agreement.

Continuing Tensions in Eastern Congo

The eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo have long been affected by armed conflict involving a range of rebel groups, regional actors, and militia forces competing for influence over territory and natural resources.

The resurgence of M23 activities in recent years has raised renewed concerns about the potential for wider regional escalation, particularly given the sensitive political and security dynamics between Kinshasa and Kigali.

International observers continue to monitor developments closely, as diplomatic efforts seek to prevent further deterioration of the security situation in the Great Lakes region of Africa.