The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on the Rwandan Ministry of Defence and Zigama Credit and Savings Society over their roles in Rwanda’s support for the March 23 Movement (M23) in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The designations target military assistance and financial channels supporting the armed group, including weapons procurement and transactions worth tens of millions of dollars. The ministry directs the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), which has deployed thousands of troops alongside M23 and provided equipment, logistics and training. OFAC previously sanctioned the RDF on March 2, 2026. Zigama facilitated overseas payments for RDF weapons, ammunition and other military equipment, as well as travel and accommodation for training. The financial institution also processed tens of millions of dollars in transactions for M23 and its political wing, the Congo River Alliance. A Zigama branch enabled the transportation of gold from territory controlled by M23 in eastern DRC to Kigali. The sanctions block the designated entities’ property and interests in property in the United States or held or controlled by U.S. persons, which must be reported to OFAC. Entities owned 50% or more, directly or indirectly and individually or collectively, by blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized or exempt, transactions involving blocked property by U.S. persons or within or transiting the United States are generally prohibited. Financial institutions and other persons may also face sanctions exposure for certain dealings with designated or otherwise blocked persons.

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