US has sanctioned Rwanda’s defence forces, accusing them of fuelling eastern DR Congo conflict and violating a December peace agreement.
US has sanctioned Rwanda’s defence forces, accusing them of fuelling eastern DR Congo conflict and violating a December peace agreement.
The sanctions mark a significant strain in relations between Rwanda and Western allies, particularly the United States, with which Kigali has maintained close diplomatic and security ties for decades. President Trump had previously framed the December peace deal as an opportunity to secure access to critical minerals from the resource-rich DRC.
Under the new measures, any assets held in the United States by the Rwanda Defence Force or the sanctioned officers will be frozen, and American individuals and entities will be prohibited from engaging in financial transactions with them.