US sanctions Rwanda’s defense ministry over eastern Congo conflict

The United States imposed sanctions on Rwanda’s defense ministry on Wednesday, in measures linked to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The conflict is centered in eastern Congo, where AFC/M23 rebels control large parts of North and South Kivu provinces.

The rebels made a major advance in early 2025 and captured the region’s two largest cities.

The UN and Western governments say Rwanda backs the rebels, but Rwanda denies this.

Fighting continues despite mediation efforts, including efforts led by the United States, which have brought little change on the ground.

The Rwandan and Congolese governments had not immediately commented on the sanctions.