Overview
- The Treasury’s OFAC designated the Rwanda Defence Force and four senior officers under Executive Order 13413, blocking their U.S. property and prohibiting U.S. transactions.
- The U.S. alleges the RDF has provided troops, training, and advanced equipment — including drones, air-defense systems, and GPS jammers — and expects an immediate withdrawal of RDF forces, weapons, and equipment.
- Those named are army chief of staff Vincent Nyakarundi, chief of defence staff Mubarakh Muganga, Maj. Gen. Ruki Karusisi, and special operations commander Stanislas Gashugi.
- Rwanda rejected the action as unjust and one-sided, accused the DRC of ceasefire violations such as drone strikes, and said it remains committed to disengagement contingent on Kinshasa meeting its obligations.
- Kinshasa welcomed the move as support for its sovereignty, while U.S. statements link the sanctions to enforcing the Washington Accords after M23’s territorial gains, including the brief capture of Uvira and continued control of key areas.