WASHINGTON - The U.S. Treasury Department on Tuesday announced sanctions on commanders it says are fuelling the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where combat has continued despite U.S.-led mediation efforts.
The department named two individuals: John Imani Nzenze, identified as an M23 commander and chief of intelligence, and Gustave Kubwayo, described as an FDLR commander who leads an intelligence and special operations unit. The announcement framed the measures as a tool to support a peaceful end to the bloodshed in the region.
Clashes in eastern Congo have involved the M23 rebel group, which the United Nations has said is backed by Rwanda, and the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a Hutu militia rooted in the 1994 genocide. Rwanda denies providing support to M23.
In a statement accompanying the sanctions, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said: "President Trump has been clear that there is an urgent need to resolve the horrific conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the United States is committed to peace and prosperity in the region." He added: "Persistent violence by armed groups is exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis and presents a threat to U.S. interests in the region. Today's sanctions support a peaceful resolution and end to the bloodshed."
The announcement noted that the sanctions are intended to pressure those leading and sustaining violent operations and to back diplomatic efforts to halt hostilities.
Requests for comment did not receive immediate replies. Nzenze, a spokesperson for the Rwandan government and the Democratic Republic of Congo did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Earlier diplomatic activity included a peace accord signed in Washington in December, part of an effort by U.S. President Donald Trump to broker an agreement and to attract billions of dollars of Western investment to the region. Days after that ceremony, M23 forces advanced into the eastern Congolese city of Uvira, near the Burundian border, marking the conflict's largest escalation in months. The rebels subsequently withdrew from Uvira under U.S. pressure.
The Treasury action represents a continuation of U.S. engagement aimed at reducing violence and supporting political solutions, while highlighting the persistent challenges on the ground where competing armed groups remain active.