US sanctions Rwanda's defence ministry over the DR Congo conflict

The sanctions aim to reinforce the Washington Accords, signed in December 2025 under US mediation, though fighting has continued. The US also sanctioned Zigama Credit and Savings Society, a bank serving Rwanda's security services.

DR Congo's foreign ministry welcomed the sanctions and urged Rwanda to withdraw its troops. Rwanda's government spokesperson said Congo has not met its commitments on the FDLR militia.

The measures freeze the entities' assets under US jurisdiction and generally bar US individuals and businesses from dealing with them. The US sanctioned Rwanda's army and four commanders in March, and a gold refinery in June.