U.S. sanctions alleged rebel commanders in DR Congo

The United States has imposed sanctions on alleged intelligence leaders of two key rebel groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where fighting has been raging in the east of the country.

The sanctions target Gustave Kubwayo, alleged to be the commander of a Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), and John Imani Nzenze, alleged to be the March 23 (M23) commander and chief of intelligence, the U.S. Treasury said in a statement on Tuesday.

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The mineral-rich east of DR Congo has been scarred by violence from various armed groups for more than three decades.

Since 2021, the M23 has seized swathes of territory and fighting has stepped up since the start of 2025.

Last week, fresh fighting erupted between government troops and the Rwanda-backed M23 in Masisi, an area in North Kivu province.

In a statement, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said President Donald 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.”

He added that the persistent violence was “exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis and presents a threat to U.S. interests in the region.”