US imposes sanctions on commanders over fighting in eastern Congo

The United States on Tuesday imposed sanctions on commanders of armed groups it accused of driving the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where fighting has continued despite mediation efforts by Washington. The sanctions target M23 commander and chief of intelligence John Imani Nzenze, and Gustave Kubwayo, an FDLR commander. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said persistent violence exacerbates an already dire humanitarian crisis and threatens US interests. The clashes involve M23 rebels, which the UN says are backed by Rwanda, and the FDLR, a Hutu militia rooted in the 1994 genocide.