US imposes visa restrictions on senior Rwandan officials over DRC instability

The United States has announced visa restrictions on senior Rwandan officials accused of supporting the M23 rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), citing violations of the Washington Accords.

In a statement on March 6, 2026, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the sanctions target individuals “responsible for, complicit in, or directly or indirectly engaged in undermining or impeding a sustainable peace in the Great Lakes region.”

The move follows US Treasury sanctions against the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and four senior commanders for providing operational support to M23, including troop deployments, drones, and training.

The US action comes after M23 briefly captured Uvira following the December 2025 signing of the accords, which aim to establish peace and economic integration in the region. Washington says continued RDF support risks escalating the conflict.

Rwanda condemned the measures as “one-sided,” accusing Kinshasa of ceasefire violations and insisting it will only withdraw forces once the DRC meets its obligations.

Rubio’s visa restrictions, which may extend to family members, are part of broader US efforts to pressure both countries toward sustainable peace.