Key facts
- US sanctions imposed on Rwanda's ministry of defense.
- Sanctions linked to alleged Rwandan backing of M23 rebels in DRC.
- M23 rebels captured eastern Congo's two largest cities in early 2025.
- Mediation efforts have yielded little change on the ground.
The United States imposed sanctions on Rwanda's ministry of defense on Wednesday, according to the Treasury Department website. The move is part of fresh sanctions related to the Democratic Republic of Congo. M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, have captured large parts of North and South Kivu provinces in Congo following an advance in early 2025. Despite ongoing mediation efforts, fighting continues with little change on the ground.