The United States has unveiled fresh sanctions against key figures driving the prolonged unrest in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), targeting commanders linked to two notorious armed factions active since 2021.
Washington’s move comes as a direct response to escalating violence that has destabilized the region, with officials citing the involvement of the FDLR (Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda) and the M23 (March 23 Movement), a group reportedly backed by neighboring Rwanda.
In a statement released by the State Department, officials named Gustave Kubwayo, a senior intelligence and operations chief within the FDLR, accusing him of orchestrating systematic ethnic violence against civilians, deploying child soldiers, and carrying out cross-border assaults that pose a direct threat to Rwanda’s security. The FDLR has long been accused of atrocities, including sexual violence and mass killings, in eastern DRC’s conflict zones.
The sanctions also extend to John Imani Nzenze, identified as the intelligence head of the M23. American authorities allege that under his leadership, the group has been responsible for targeted assassinations, widespread human rights abuses, and deliberate attacks on civilian populations in eastern DRC. These actions have contributed to a humanitarian crisis, displacing thousands and exacerbating regional instability.
The Trump administration emphasized its unwavering commitment to enforcing the Washington Accords of December 4, 2025 and the Doha Framework, warning that all parties must adhere to their obligations. The statement underscored Washington’s resolve to use every available diplomatic and economic tool to restore lasting peace in the Great Lakes region, where years of conflict have left deep scars on communities.
