KIGALI, Rwanda – The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued a seismic diplomatic blow to Kigali by imposing sweeping US sanctions Rwanda military measures on the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and four of its most senior commanders.
The move, announced on March 2, 2026, marks a historic low in U.S. and Rwanda relations. Washington alleges that Kigali has blatantly violated the Washington Accords, which is a peace agreement brokered by the U.S. in December 2025. This latest round of US sanctions Rwanda military action follows allegations of direct operational, logistical, and technological support provided to the AFC/M23 rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Sanctioned Inner Circle
The US sanctions Rwanda military package specifically targets the architects of Rwanda’s modern military strategy. The four designated individuals represent the pinnacle of the RDF’s command structure.
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Gen. Mubarakh Muganga: Chief of Defence Staff. As the overall head of the RDF, he is accused of authorizing the deployment of regular troops into Congolese territory.
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Maj. Gen. Vincent Nyakarundi: Army Chief of Staff. Formerly the head of military intelligence, Nyakarundi is alleged to have coordinated the on the ground integration between RDF units and M23 rebels.
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Maj. Gen. Ruki Karusisi: Commander of the 5th Infantry Division. A former head of Special Operations, Karusisi is linked to the training of M23 fighters at RDF military centers.
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Brig. Gen. Stanislas Gashugi: Special Operations Force Commander. Gashugi is accused of leading specialized units in high intensity combat operations alongside rebel forces.
Under Executive Order 13413, all property and interests in property of these individuals within U.S. jurisdiction are blocked. Perhaps more significantly, the US sanctions Rwanda military action effectively de-banks these officials. Global financial institutions typically cease all business with OFAC listed individuals to avoid secondary penalties from the United States.
Breach of the Washington Accords
The US sanctions Rwanda military action comes just three months after the signing of the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity on December 4, 2025. This historic deal, signed by President Paul Kagame and President Félix Tshisekedi, was intended to facilitate Rwandan troop withdrawal in exchange for Congolese efforts to disarm the FDLR militia.
However, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the capture of the strategic city of Uvira on December 10, 2025, which was less than a week after the signing, was the smoking gun that proved Kigali’s lack of commitment. Washington contends that M23’s rapid seizure of Uvira, Goma, and Bukavu would have been impossible without the active support and complicity of the RDF. This evidence was the primary driver for the US sanctions Rwanda militarydecision.
Advanced Weaponry and Mineral Laundering
The Treasury findings go beyond troop deployments, alleging that Rwanda has introduced sophisticated force multipliers into the eastern DRC conflict. The US sanctions Rwanda military report cites the presence of specialized equipment including:
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GPS Jamming Systems: Used to blind UN and Congolese drone surveillance.
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Air Defense Equipment: Specifically targeting Congolese Sukhoi 25 fighter jets.
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Commercial Drones: Utilized for artillery spotting and reconnaissance.
Furthermore, the U.S. alleges a minerals for support pipeline. According to the Treasury, Rwanda has gained unprecedented access to coltan, gold, and tungsten mines in M23 controlled territories. These minerals are reportedly laundered through Rwandan border labs before being exported to global markets as conflict free, providing the RDF with an off book revenue stream to finance its external operations. This economic link is a central pillar of the US sanctions Rwanda military report.
Kigali’s Defiant Rebuttal
The Rwandan government has dismissed the US sanctions Rwanda military measures as unjust and one sided. In an official statement, Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo argued that the U.S. has ignored indiscriminate drone strikes and ground offensives by the Congolese military against Rwandan border positions.
“Protecting our country is a badge of honor which the Rwanda Defence Force carries very proudly,” the statement read. The government indicated that the US sanctions Rwanda military pressure would not force an immediate withdrawal of forces protecting national interests.
