World
US sanctions Rwanda's defence ministry over DR Congo conflict
Congo accuses Rwanda of backing M23 rebels and plundering minerals in its conflict hit East
BBC World•
Eastern DR Congo has been plagued by conflict with M23 recapturing Goma and then Bukavu in early 2025
The United States has imposed sanctions on Rwanda's defence ministry over its alleged support for the M23 rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, increasing pressure on Kigali to withdraw its troops and halt support for the rebels.
"Rwanda must halt its support for M23 and withdraw its troops from eastern DRC," US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.
The FDLR is a militia linked to perpetrators of Rwanda's 1994 genocide. Kigali considers it a security threat and cites its presence in eastern DR Congo to justify its military posture.