The United States has imposed sanctions on key commanders of armed groups involved in the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), aiming to curb persistent violence in the region.
The sanctions, announced on Tuesday by the U.S. Treasury Department, affect M23 commander and intelligence chief John Imani Nzenze, as well as Gustave Kubwayo, a leader of the FDLR militia’s intelligence and special operations unit. Both groups have been actively engaged in clashes in eastern Congo, despite ongoing mediation efforts led by Washington.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the sanctions were intended to support efforts for a peaceful resolution, noting that the violence has worsened an already severe humanitarian crisis and threatens U.S. interests in the area.
The M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, and the Hutu militia FDLR, rooted in the 1994 genocide, have been fighting in the region. Rwanda denies providing support to the M23.
This action follows a December agreement signed by Rwanda and the DRC in Washington as part of U.S. efforts to broker peace and attract investment to the region. Despite the deal, M23 forces briefly seized a city near the Burundian border earlier this year, prompting international concern before eventually withdrawing under U.S. pressure.
The Treasury Department emphasized that the United States remains committed to peace and stability in eastern Congo, calling for continued diplomatic and humanitarian engagement to end the bloodshed.