The US Department of the Treasury has imposed sanctions this Tuesday against two commanders of armed groups operating in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as part of Washington’s commitment to peaceful resolution of the Congolese conflict.

For the M23, the target is John Imani Nzenze, the rebel movement’s intelligence chief. Described as one of Sultani Makenga’s closest collaborators—himself already sanctioned by the US and UN—Nzenze has been a central figure in M23 since its first rebellion in 2012-2013, during which he led attacks against positions of the Congolese Armed Forces.

Regarding the FDLR, the sanctions target Gustave Kubwayo, alias ‘Colonel Sirkoof’, who heads a special intelligence and operations unit of the rebel group active in Nyiragongo territory, North Kivu.

In announcing these measures, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reiterated Washington’s expectations: DRC must neutralize the FDLR and its affiliates, while Rwanda is called upon to withdraw its troops and cease all support to M23, in accordance with the Washington Accords of December 4, 2025. All assets of designated individuals within US jurisdiction or under US control are now frozen.