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The United States has imposed new sanctions on two prominent members of the M23 rebel movement and the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) militia.
The U.S. Treasury Department announced the sanctions on Tuesday as part of efforts to intensify pressure on armed groups fueling conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
“Persistent violence by armed groups is exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis,” Treasury official Bessent said, adding that the measures are intended to support a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The sanctions target John Imani Nzenze, the intelligence chief of the M23 rebel movement, and Gustave Kubwayo, also known as “Colonel Sirkoof,” a senior commander within the FDLR.
The U.S. said both men are involved in activities that contribute to violence and insecurity in the region, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict.
John Imani Nzenze is considered one of the closest associates of M23 leader Sultani Makenga, who is already under U.S. and United Nations sanctions.
He has been a prominent figure within the movement since its first rebellion in 2012–2013 and has long been linked to military operations against Congolese government forces.
Gustave Kubwayo heads an intelligence and special operations unit of the FDLR, a Hutu militia with roots in the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. His faction remains active in Nyiragongo territory in North Kivu province.
The U.S. Treasury said all assets belonging to the designated individuals within the United States, or under the control of U.S. persons, will be frozen.
Officials said the move reflects Washington’s determination to increase pressure on actors contributing to the ongoing conflict in the region.
