U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Rwandan Army and Four Nationals over DRC Involvement

WASHINGTON, D.C. March 2, 2026 - The United States Treasury Department announced Monday that the Rwanda Defense Force (RDF) and four Rwandan nationals have been sanctioned for their involvement in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) added the RDF and individuals Stanislas Gashugi, Ruki Karusisi, Mubarakh Muganga (also known as "MK MUBARKH"), and Vincent Nyakarundi to its Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) list. Assets of the designated entities and individuals under U.S. jurisdiction are now frozen, and U.S. citizens and companies are prohibited from engaging in transactions with them. At the same time, OFAC issued General Licence No. 1 under 31 CFR Part 547, authorizing, until April 1, 2026, transactions that are “normally incidental and necessary” to the phased cessation of dealings with the RDF or any entity in which it holds at least 50% ownership. Payments to blocked individuals must be directed to blocked accounts, and the licence does not authorize other prohibited transactions unless explicitly approved. This move comes amid escalating tensions in eastern DRC, where the RDF has been accused of supporting the AFC/M23 rebel movement, contributing to ongoing clashes in North and South Kivu provinces. The sanctions reflect Washington’s effort to hold Rwandan actors accountable for their involvement in destabilizing operations in the DRC.