US sanctions two armed group leaders in drc as 204 fighters surrender

The United States has imposed financial and legal sanctions on two senior commanders of armed groups operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, accusing them of serious human rights abuses and attacks on civilian populations.

According to a statement from the U.S. State Department, the measures target Gustave Kubwayo, a leader within the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), and John Imani Nzenze, described as the head of intelligence for the Congo River Alliance/M23 (AFC-M23). Washington says the sanctions are part of broader efforts to promote peace and stability in the Great Lakes region, pushing conflict actors to uphold international commitments under the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity and the Doha process.

Gustave Kubwayo is alleged to be involved in multiple atrocities attributed to the FDLR, including ethnic violence, recruitment of child soldiers, sexual violence, and cross-border attacks that threaten Rwanda’s security. John Imani Nzenze is accused of playing a key role within the M23, which the United States views as backed by Rwanda. The U.S. holds the group responsible for numerous killings, serious human rights violations, and repeated assaults on civilian communities in eastern DRC.

Meanwhile, the Congolese army announced that 204 AFC-M23 combatants surrendered during April and May 2026. In a statement from the spokesperson of the 34th military region, Major Dieudonné Kasereka, these former fighters laid down arms in several operational zones of North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, including Lubero, Rutshuru, Masisi, and Kalehe. Military authorities say they have taken the necessary steps to handle the detainees. Major Kasereka also called on other combatants still active in forest areas to lay down their weapons and join the surrender process.

These developments come amid ongoing clashes between the AFC-M23 and the Armed Forces of the DRC, which are supported by the Wazalendo self-defense groups. Fighting remains particularly intense in several territories of North Kivu and South Kivu, where the security situation continues to be of grave concern.