Measures target Rwandan military officials and entities accused of supporting the armed group M23.
The U.S. Department of State announced visa restrictions on several senior Rwandan officials in response to alleged support for the armed group March 23 Movement (M23) in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act to deny entry to individuals whose presence could have adverse foreign policy consequences. U.S. officials have called on parties to the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity to fulfill their commitments, including the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from eastern Congo and efforts by Congolese authorities to address armed groups operating in the region.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has also imposed sanctions on the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and several senior officials. U.S. authorities state that the force has provided support to the March 23 Movement (M23), which the U.S. and the United Nations (UN) have linked to violence and displacement in the region.
“Treasury will use all tools at its disposal to ensure that the parties to the Washington Accords uphold their obligations,” said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. “We expect the immediate withdrawal of Rwanda Defence Force troops, weapons, and equipment.”
Under the sanctions, property or financial interests tied to the designated individuals and entities within U.S. jurisdiction are blocked, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from conducting transactions with them.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretaries Rubio and Bessent as they make decisions to support stability and accountability through diplomatic and economic actions related to the conflict.
- For officials in the Departments of State and Treasury, including the OFAC, as they carry out diplomatic and sanctions policies affecting global security.
- For the protection of the civilians of the DRC and neighboring countries in the Great Lakes region.
Sources: Reuters, State Department, Treasury Department
