Tensions over the US sanctions on Rwanda have deepened after sharply different reactions from Kigali and Kinshasa, even as the M23 rebels claimed fresh fighting near Kisangani.
The DRC welcomed the sanctions announced by Washington against the Rwanda Defence Force and four senior officials. The government said the move supports Congo’s sovereignty and the search for peace in the troubled eastern region.
Kigali, however, rejected the decision. It accused Washington of targeting one side of the conflict and ignoring what it described as violations by Congolese forces and allied militias.
The developments come only weeks after leaders from the two countries met in Washington to sign the Washington Accords meant to calm the conflict and open the door for economic cooperation.
In a statement, the Congolese government said the sanctions send a strong signal in support of its territorial integrity.
“These measures constitute a clear signal in favour of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the effective implementation of the commitments made under the Washington Accords,” Kinshasa said.
The government also thanked Washington for its support in efforts to restore peace in the region.
Kinshasa said stability in eastern Congo requires an end to support for armed groups and respect for international law.
However, Rwanda’s Office of the Government Spokesperson said the decision misrepresents the situation on the ground.
“The sanctions issued today by the United States unjustly targeting only one party to the peace process misrepresent the reality and distort the facts of the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo,” the statement said.
Rwanda accused Congo of working with armed groups that threaten its security. It cited foreign mercenaries and the FDLR militia as part of the coalition supporting Congolese forces.
Kigali insisted it remains committed to the peace deal but said obligations must be met by both sides.
“Rwanda is fully committed to disengagement of its forces in tandem with the DRC implementing their obligations,” the statement said.
The sanctions were announced by the US Department of the Treasury which accused the Rwanda Defence Force of supporting the M23 rebel movement operating in eastern Congo. Washington said the sanctions block assets linked to the targeted individuals in the United States and restrict certain transactions involving US entities.
US lawmakers also backed the move.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen said the action was necessary after continued fighting in eastern Congo.
“Three months after Rwanda backed M23 violated the Washington Peace Accords, the U.S. finally sanctioned the Rwandan Defense Force and four officials. Conflict has made life in eastern DRC a nightmare, and the U.S. must hold those fueling violence accountable,” Senator Shaheen said.
Senator Jim Risch, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the sanctions were meant to enforce commitments made during negotiations hosted by Washington.
“Today’s sanctions against the Rwandan Defense Forces and four senior officials send a blunt message. Those who violate terms brokered by the United States will pay a steep and escalating price,” Senator Risch said.
Risch urged both sides to halt military actions and return to talks.
“The time for posturing is over. Rwanda and M23 must halt their advances immediately,” he said.
He added that the DRC government should also avoid pursuing a military solution and instead work with partners to build a lasting security plan.
On February 5, Tshisekedi met Senator Risch and Senator Shaheen in Washington.
The talks focused on security in eastern Congo and the implementation of the peace agreement between Congo and Rwanda.
During the meeting, Tshisekedi stressed the need to protect civilians and ensure credible monitoring of the peace deal.
He also highlighted Congo’s role in stabilizing the Great Lakes region and securing critical minerals that are important to global supply chains.
The senators emphasized the need for both countries to respect the commitments made under the peace process.
The sanctions follow months of fighting in eastern Congo where M23 fighters have seized territory and displaced thousands of civilians. The violence has raised fears of a wider regional crisis.
On the same day, the M23 movement released a statement claiming fresh fighting near Kisangani.
In the statement, the group accused forces aligned to Kinshasa of carrying out drone attacks in densely populated areas.
It said coalition forces were conducting bombardments that targeted civilians.
“Our forces deployed at the outskirts of the city of Kisangani conducted a targeted operation to neutralise and destroy drones that were about to be launched to massacre civilians and attack our positions,” the statement said.
The group warned that its operations would continue if the attacks did not stop.
The statement also blamed what it called the Kinshasa coalition for violence against civilians and vowed to defend people in areas under its control.
The conflict in eastern Congo has drawn global attention partly because the region holds valuable minerals used in modern technology. Control of mining areas has long fueled tensions and accusations between the two neighbours.
