US sanctions militia commanders over violence in eastern DR Congo

The US Treasury Department said on Tuesday that it had sanctioned John Imani Nzenze, an M23 commander and intelligence chief, and Gustave Kubwayo, a commander in the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, known as the FDLR.

The measures come as eastern Congo remains gripped by violence involving M23 rebels and rival armed groups, including the FDLR, a Hutu militia with roots in the aftermath of the 1994 Rwanda genocide.

The United Nations has accused Rwanda of backing M23, a charge Kigali denies.

Washington calls for end to violence

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the sanctions were intended to support efforts to end the conflict and address the region’s worsening humanitarian crisis.

“President Trump has been clear that there is an urgent need to resolve the horrific conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the United States is committed to peace and prosperity in the region,” Bessent said.

He added that violence by armed groups was worsening an already dire humanitarian situation and threatening US interests in the region.

“Today’s sanctions support a peaceful resolution and end to the bloodshed,” he said.

Peace efforts under pressure

The sanctions come after Rwanda and DR Congo signed an agreement in Washington in December as part of US efforts to broker peace and encourage Western investment in the region.

However, the situation on the ground has remained volatile.

Days after the signing ceremony, M23 rebels entered an eastern Congolese city near the Burundian border in one of the biggest escalations of the conflict in months. They later withdrew under US pressure.

Regional tensions remain high

The conflict in eastern DR Congo has long been shaped by competing armed groups, regional rivalries and disputes over security and influence.

Washington’s latest move signals continued US pressure on militia commanders as diplomatic efforts struggle to produce a lasting reduction in violence.

Neither Nzenze nor representatives of the Rwandan and Congolese governments immediately responded to requests for comment.