The United States (US) has announced new sanctions against two rebel commanders linked to ongoing violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), targeting senior figures within the FDLR and the Rwanda-backed M23 armed groups.
On Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026, the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Gustave Kubwayo, commander of an FDLR intelligence and special operations unit, and John Imani Nzenze, M23’s chief of intelligence, for their involvement in human rights violations, civilian killings, and regional instability.
“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,” reasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.
“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,” he added.
The move reinforces the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity signed in December 2025. The United States expects the DRC to neutralise FDLR and affiliated groups, while Rwanda is expected to withdraw its troops and end support for M23.
FDLR, which emerged from remnants of forces associated with the 1994 Rwandan genocide, has a long history of ethnically motivated killings, child recruitment, and sexual violence. M23, which has captured strategic towns including Goma and Bukavu, has likewise been accused of mass displacement and abuses against civilians.
Both groups had previously been designated by the United States and the United Nations. As a consequence of the sanctions, all property and interests in property belonging to the designated individuals within the United States or under U.S. jurisdiction are blocked. U.S. persons are generally prohibited from conducting transactions with them.
The United States reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside international partners to bring an end to decades of conflict and promote economic development in both the DRC and Rwanda.
