The U.S. government has slammed fresh sanctions on senior commanders of rebel groups linked to deadly attacks in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 

The Rwanda-backed March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group has viciously competed for territory with DRC military and its reported allied forces such as the Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). The conflict has left thousands dead and many displaced, triggering one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

The Trump administration on Tuesday imposed sanctions on FDLR’s John Imani Nzenze and Gustave Kubwayo of the M23 rebel force who it said were behind violent attacks threatening regional security.

“We are designating Gustave Kubwayo, commander of an FDLR intelligence and special operations unit,” a statement by the U.S. authorities said on Tuesday. “The FDLR has carried out ethnic violence against civilians, used child soldiers, committed sexual violence, and launched cross-border attacks that continue to threaten Rwanda’s security.”

The same sanction applied to Mr Nzenze, a senior intelligence M23 chief over alleged killings and human rights violations.

“We are also designating John Imani Nzenze, chief of intelligence for the Rwanda-backed M23, an armed group that has committed killings, serious human rights abuses, and attacks on civilians in eastern DRC,” the statement added.

The Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity signed by both countries in December 2025 had yet to halt the fighting but the U.S. appeared intent on holding all parties accountable to the agreement. 

“The Trump Administration is firmly committed to ensuring all parties uphold their commitments under the historic Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity and Doha Framework and will continue using all available tools to advance lasting stability in the region,” the statement added.