The United States has imposed financial and legal sanctions on two senior leaders of armed groups operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), accusing them of involvement in severe human rights violations and attacks on civilian populations.
In a statement, the US State Department said the measures target Gustave Kubwayo, a commander within the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), and John Imani Nzenze, identified as the head of intelligence for the Congo River Alliance/M23 (AFC-M23).
Washington stated that these sanctions are part of broader efforts to promote peace and stability in the Great Lakes region. The US authorities aim to push conflict actors to honour their international commitments, particularly those related to the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity and the Doha process.
According to the State Department, Gustave Kubwayo is allegedly implicated in multiple atrocities attributed to the FDLR, including ethnically motivated violence, recruitment of child soldiers, sexual violence, and cross-border attacks threatening Rwanda’s security.
Meanwhile, John Imani Nzenze is accused of playing a key role within the M23, an armed group Washington considers to be supported by Rwanda. The United States holds the movement responsible for numerous murders, serious human rights violations, and repeated attacks on civilian communities in eastern DRC.
In a parallel development, the Congolese army announced the surrender of 204 AFC-M23 fighters during April and May 2026. According to a statement from Major Dieudonné Kasereka, spokesperson for the 34th military region, these former combatants laid down their arms in several operational zones in the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu, including Lubero, Rutshuru, Masisi, and Kalehe.
Military authorities said they have taken the necessary steps to provide for the surrendered fighters. Major Kasereka also called on other militants still active in forested areas to lay down their weapons and join the surrender process.
These developments come as clashes continue between the AFC-M23 and the Armed Forces of the DRC, supported by the Wazalendo self-defence groups. Fighting remains particularly intense in several territories of North Kivu and South Kivu, where the security situation remains worrying.
