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 serious human rights violations and attacks on civilian populations.
In a statement, the US State Department said the measures target Gustave Kubwayo, a figure 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 asserts that these sanctions are part of broader efforts to promote peace and stability in the Great Lakes region. US authorities also aim to push various conflict actors to uphold their international commitments, particularly those under the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity and the Doha process.
According to the State Department, Gustave Kubwayo is allegedly involved in numerous abuses attributed to the FDLR, including ethnically motivated violence, recruitment of child soldiers, sexual violence, and cross-border attacks threatening Rwanda’s security.
John Imani Nzenze is accused of playing a role within the M23, an armed group Washington considers to be backed by Rwanda. The United States holds this movement responsible for multiple killings, serious human rights abuses, and repeated attacks on civilian communities in eastern DRC.
Meanwhile, the Congolese army has announced the surrender of 204 AFC-M23 fighters during April and May 2026. According to a statement by the spokesperson for the 34th military region, Major Dieudonné Kasereka, these former combatants turned themselves in across several operational zones in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, including Lubero, Rutshuru, Masisi, and Kalehe.
Military authorities say they have taken necessary measures to handle these individuals. Major Kasereka also called on other fighters 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-defense groups. Fighting remains particularly intense in several territories of North Kivu and South Kivu, where the security situation remains concerning.