The United States sanctioned Rwanda’s defense ministry over its role in Congo
The United States sanctioned Rwanda’s defense ministry on Wednesday, increasing pressure on Kigali to withdraw troops from neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo. Demócrata reported that the Treasury considers the ministry a financier and military adviser to M23 operations. Rwanda denies supporting M23 and blames militias funded by the Congolese government; peace dialogue continues.
More context
The United States imposed sanctions on Rwanda’s defense ministry, increasing pressure on Rwanda to withdraw troops from neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Treasury said Wednesday it added the ministry to its list of sanctioned bodies and institutions. Demócrata reported that the Treasury views the ministry as a financier and military adviser for operations by the March 23 Movement (M23) in eastern Congo. Rwanda has repeatedly denied supporting M23, despite reports by the United States and United Nations attributing support to it. Kigali instead blames militias funded by the Congolese government, including the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, for fueling the violence. The sanctions were announced amid ongoing peace dialogue.
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Verifier’s note
Bloomberg reports that the US sanctioned Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence over its role in the Congo conflict. Demócrata independently reports the same sanctions and links them to Rwanda’s support for M23.