EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO — The United States imposed new sanctions on John Imani Nzenze, the intelligence chief of the M23 rebel movement, and Gustave Kubwayo, also known as “Colonel Sirkoof,” a senior commander within the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). The action targets two figures linked to ongoing violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where armed conflict has deepened a humanitarian crisis.
John Imani Nzenze is considered one of the closest associates of M23 leader Sultani Makenga, who is already under U.S. and United Nations sanctions. Nzenze has been a prominent figure within the M23 movement since its first rebellion in 2012–2013 and has long been linked to military operations against Congolese government forces.
Gustave Kubwayo heads an intelligence and special operations unit of the FDLR, a Hutu militia with roots in the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. His group remains active in the Nyiragongo territory of North Kivu province.
Under the sanctions, all assets belonging to the designated individuals that are located in the United States or under the control of U.S. citizens are frozen. American individuals and entities are prohibited from conducting transactions with Nzenze and Kubwayo. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, “Persistent violence by armed groups is exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.”
The United States renewed calls for Rwanda to withdraw its forces from eastern Congo and cease any support for the M23 rebellion. Rwanda has consistently denied allegations by the United Nations and Western governments that it backs the M23. The United States also expects the Congolese government to continue efforts to dismantle the FDLR and affiliated groups operating on its territory.