US Sanctions Rwanda’s Defense Ministry and Zigama: “The United States Is Keeping Its Promise to Hold Rwanda Accountable,” Treasury Says

The US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on Rwanda’s Defense Ministry and Zigama Credit and Savings Society, which it says played a key role in facilitating Rwanda’s support for the M23 and the Congo River Alliance (AFC). Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the measures are intended to hold Kigali accountable for commitments made under the Washington peace agreements. OFAC called on Rwanda to withdraw its troops from eastern DR Congo and end its support for the M23, which occupies large areas of North Kivu and South Kivu. Assets under US jurisdiction are blocked, and US persons are generally prohibited from transactions involving the designated entities.