KIGALI, RWANDA: March 2, 2026 — The Rwandan government has issued a sharp rebuke to the United States following the imposition of new sanctions, labeling the move “unjust” and a misrepresentation of the volatile situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a statement released Monday by the Office of the Government Spokesperson, Rwanda argued that the U.S. measures “distort the facts” by targeting only one side of a complex regional conflict. The response comes after Washington sanctioned the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and four senior military officials, accusing them of providing operational support to the M23 rebel group.
On March 2, 2026, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced significant sanctions against the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and four of its senior officers: Gen Mubarakh Muganga, Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi, Maj Gen Ruki Karusisi, and Brig Stanislas Gashugi.
Kigali countered the U.S. narrative by pointing toward the DRC’s own military actions. The statement accused the DRC of “consistent and indiscriminate drone attacks and ground offensives,” which it claims are clear violations of existing ceasefire agreements |
Kigali countered the U.S. narrative by pointing toward the DRC’s own military actions. The statement accused the DRC of “consistent and indiscriminate drone attacks and ground offensives,” which it claims are clear violations of existing ceasefire agreements.
”Protecting our country is a badge of honour which the Rwanda Defense Force carries very proudly,” the spokesperson stated, reinforcing Rwanda’s stance that its military actions are defensive in nature.
The Rwandan government highlighted what it describes as a “DRC coalition” involving: Foreign mercenaries, the Wazalendo (state-sponsored extremist ethnic militias), and FDLR (a genocidal militia)
Rwanda maintains that under the Washington Accords—a peace framework signed in December 2025—the DRC committed to ending all state support for the FDLR. Kigali alleges that no verifiable steps have been taken by Kinshasa to meet these obligations.
Despite the tension, Rwanda expressed a continued commitment to the peace process, specifically welcoming the resumption of the Joint Oversight Committee. The statement emphasized that for the Washington Accords and the Regional Economic Integration Framework to succeed, an “even-handed approach” is required from all international partners.
The sanctions represent a significant diplomatic rift just months after the historic signing of the Washington Accords, brokered by the U.S. administration. While the U.S. and UN experts have long accused Rwanda of backing M23 rebels, allegations Rwanda consistently denies, Kigali insists the international community is ignoring the DRC’s collaboration with the FDLR, a group led by remnants of the forces responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
