The United States has announced targeted sanctions against the Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF) and four of their senior officials, accused of supporting the operations of the AFC/M23 rebel movement in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

These measures come amid persistent tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali over insecurity in the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu.

Among those targeted is Major General Ruki Karusisi, commander of the RDF’s 5th Infantry Division. A former head of special operations forces, he is described as having overseen military operations in support of the M23.

General Mubarakh Muganga, Chief of Staff of the Rwandan Armed Forces since June 2023, is also involved.

Prior to his appointment, he held the position of Chief of Staff of the Army, during which he is said to have played a key role in the planning and command of Rwandan forces engaged in eastern Congo.

Stanislas Gashugi, appointed on March 15, 2025 as commander of the special forces to replace Ruki Karusisi, is also among the officials mentioned.

Washington believes that these officers contributed to conducting military operations in support of the M23, an armed group accused by Kinshasa and international experts of destabilizing the region.

In Kinshasa, the Congolese government welcomed these sanctions.

In a statement signed by its spokesman Patrick Muyaya, the authorities described the American decision as a “clear signal” in favor of respecting the sovereignty of the DRC.

The Congolese government reiterates that the lasting stabilization of the East of the country and the Great Lakes region requires “the cessation of all support to armed groups”, strict respect for borders and the observance of the principles of international law.

Kinshasa also encourages Washington to continue its efforts to ensure respect for commitments made and to promote the advent of a “lasting and definitive” peace.

Kigali, for its part, reacted strongly.