The United States imposes sanctions on Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence over alleged support for armed rebels involved in fighting in mineral-rich eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The U.S. action is announced as fighting continues between the Congolese government and Rwandan-backed rebels, despite ongoing peace efforts referenced by outlets.

The measures are presented across coverage as part of Washington’s effort to pressure Kigali to reduce or end its involvement in the conflict and related rebel support. Bloomberg specifically frames the sanctions as targeting Rwanda with an aim of encouraging troop withdrawal from the DRC and an end to assistance for armed groups.

Several reports also include details on what is blocked: the U.S. Treasury adds the ministry and a financial institution, Zigama, to a blocked list, restricting dealings with Americans. One outlet additionally says the sanctions follow an OFAC determination that the targeted entities supported M23 and violated commitments, while other outlets focus more generally on alleged involvement in eastern Congo violence.