The United States, under President Donald Trump, has imposed sanctions on Rwanda, citing its role in the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a statement issued by the Office of the Government Spokesperson on March 2, 2026, the Rwandan government said the sanctions misrepresent the situation on the ground and fail to acknowledge what it termed ceasefire violations by the DRC.
“The sanctions issued today by the United States, unjustly targeting only one party to the peace process, misrepresent the reality and distort the facts of the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo,” the statement read.
The government spokesperson further cited that DRC had conducted repeated drone attacks and ground offensives, violating existing ceasefire agreements.
Further, he stated that the ongoing attacks have resulted in significant Rwandan civilian and military casualties.
“Consistent and indiscriminate drone attacks and ground offensives constitute clear violations of ceasefire agreements by the DRC, and continue to cost many lives,” he noted.
Rwanda Defends Its Forces, Criticises DRC for Failing Peace Accord Obligations
In its statement, Rwanda reported that protecting the country had been a duty carried out with pride by the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).
It stated that the DRC coalition included foreign mercenaries, extremist ethnic militias (Wazalendo), and the FDLR genocidal militia fighting alongside the FARDC.
Additionally, it said that under the Washington Accords, the DRC had committed to ending all support for the FDLR and associated militias but had taken no steps to fulfil this pledge.
Also Read: Trump Explains How U.S is Already Enjoying Benefits of DRC- Rwanda Peace Deal
“The DRC committed, in the Washington Accords, to an irreversible and verifiable end to state support for the FDLR and associated militias, but has not taken any steps to do so,” the statement read.
The country stated that it had been fully committed to disengaging its forces in line with the DRC fulfilling its obligations.
Also, it confirmed welcoming the resumption of the implementation process, including the Joint Oversight Committee, and emphasised that an even-handed approach from all partners was necessary.
“Rwanda remains committed to delivering on all aspects of the Washington Accords, including the Regional Economic Integration Framework,” it noted.
What’s the fighting in DR Congo all about?
The fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is primarily over control of territory, natural resources, and political influence, but it is also fueled by long-standing ethnic tensions and weak state authority.
Also Read: Congo Govt, M23 Sign Ceasefire Monitoring Deal With Qatar And US Support
Rebel groups, including the March 23 Movement (M23) and remnants of the FDLR, fight against the Congolese army (FARDC), sometimes with support from neighbouring countries.
Ethnic conflicts between Hutu, Tutsi, and other local communities worsen the violence, with militias often targeting civilians.
Eastern DRC’s mineral wealth, including coltan, gold, and tin, is exploited by armed groups to fund operations.
The United States imposed sanctions on the Rwanda Defence Force and several senior military officials over their role in the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The U.S. government accused Rwanda of supporting the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group, which the U.S. says has carried out serious abuses and expanded its territorial control.
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