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The United States has imposed sanctions on alleged intelligence operatives linked to two major rebel groups active in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where prolonged fighting has continued for decades.
The US Treasury Department said in a statement on Tuesday that the measures target Gustave Kubwayo, described as an intelligence commander within the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), and John Imani Nzenze, alleged to be a commander and intelligence chief in the M23 rebel group.
The mineral-rich eastern region of the country has faced persistent instability involving multiple armed groups for more than 30 years, with violence intensifying since 2021 as M23 seized several territories.
Fresh clashes were reported last week between government forces and M23 fighters in Masisi, located in North Kivu province.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in a statement, said President Donald Trump had made clear that resolving the conflict was urgent, adding that Washington remained committed to peace and stability in the region.
He further stated that continued violence was worsening an already severe humanitarian crisis and posed risks to US interests in the region.
