U.S. Imposes Fresh Sanctions on Rwanda Over DRC Rebel Support, Defying Trump’s ‘Ended’ Claim

The U.S. Treasury Department has hit Rwanda with new sanctions, accusing the East African nation of backing the M23 rebel group in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The move directly contradicts former President Donald Trump’s earlier assertion that the conflict had ‘ended,’ underscoring a sharp divide between rhetoric and reality on the ground. Treasury officials say Rwanda’s support for M23 undermines a U.S.-brokered peace agreement and fuels a humanitarian crisis that has displaced millions. The sanctions target individuals and entities linked to the Rwandan government’s alleged military and logistical assistance to the rebels. Rwanda has repeatedly denied involvement, but multiple U.N. reports and now U.S. actions point to Kigali’s role in the worsening violence. The DRC’s mineral-rich east has been a flashpoint for decades, with over 120 armed groups vying for control. This latest U.S. action signals a tougher stance on regional spoilers, even as diplomatic efforts stall. The sanctions could strain relations between Washington and Kigali, a key ally in peacekeeping and trade. For now, the people of eastern Congo remain trapped in a cycle of violence that no declaration can end.