NIGERIA TV INFO — INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

US Slaps Sanctions On Rwanda’s Defence Forces Over Eastern DR Congo Conflict, Demands Immediate Withdrawal

The United States government has imposed fresh sanctions on Rwanda’s defence forces and four senior military officials over their alleged involvement in the escalating conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

In a statement released on Monday, Washington accused Rwanda’s military of fueling instability in the mineral-rich eastern region of the DRC and called for the immediate withdrawal of its forces. The US government said the actions of Rwanda’s defence forces were undermining ongoing peace efforts and worsening humanitarian conditions in the volatile area.

According to US officials, the sanctions target Rwanda’s military leadership for what it described as interference in the internal affairs of the DRC, particularly in areas long plagued by armed group violence and cross-border tensions.

The move comes months after a peace agreement was signed in December last year between Kigali and Kinshasa. The accord, brokered by the United States, was aimed at ending years of bloodshed and restoring stability to eastern Congo.

At the time of the agreement, former US President Donald Trump described the deal as a “great miracle” after prolonged negotiations between both countries. He warned that any party found violating the terms of the agreement would face severe consequences.

Washington now maintains that Rwanda’s alleged military activities breach the spirit and letter of the peace accord. The US government reiterated its commitment to holding accountable any individuals or entities found responsible for destabilizing the region.

Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has for decades been the epicenter of armed conflict involving various rebel groups, with tensions often spilling across borders, particularly with neighboring Rwanda.

Authorities in Kigali have previously denied backing armed groups in Congo, insisting their actions are aimed at protecting national security.

The latest sanctions are expected to heighten diplomatic tensions between Washington and Kigali, while raising fresh concerns about the fragile peace process in the region.