The United States imposed sanctions on Wednesday on Rwanda’s ministry of defense over the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where fighting continues despite American mediation efforts. The Treasury Department said the ministry directed thousands of troops across North and South Kivu provinces, where they operated alongside M23 rebels and supplied them with equipment, logistical support and training, and introduced advanced weaponry that created risks for civilian aviation. Washington also sanctioned a Rwandan financial institution it accused of facilitating payments for weapons and moving gold out of rebel-controlled territory. Rwanda denies backing M23, and Congo’s foreign ministry welcomed the measures as a message that Kigali cannot act with impunity, while Kigali pointed to unmet commitments on neutralizing a rival militia under the Washington Accords.

Full report: US imposes sanctions on Rwanda’s ministry of defense.