The United States has imposed financial and legal penalties on two senior leaders of armed groups operating in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), accusing them of involvement in serious human rights abuses and attacks on civilian populations.
In a statement, the US State Department said the measures target Gustave Kubwayo, a commander of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), and John Imani Nzenze, identified as the intelligence chief of 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 aims to push conflict actors to honour 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 multiple atrocities attributed to the FDLR, including ethnic violence, recruitment of child soldiers, sexual violence, and cross-border attacks that threaten Rwanda’s security.
John Imani Nzenze, meanwhile, is accused of playing a key role within the M23, an armed group Washington considers to be supported by Rwanda. The US holds this movement responsible for numerous killings, serious human rights violations, and repeated attacks on civilian communities in eastern DRC.
Separately, the Congolese army announced the surrender of 204 AFC-M23 fighters during April and May 2026. A statement from Major Dieudonné Kasereka, spokesperson for the 34th military region, said these former fighters turned themselves in across several operational zones in North Kivu and South Kivu, including Lubero, Rutshuru, Masisi, and Kalehe.
Military authorities said they have taken the necessary steps to handle the fighters. Major Kasereka also urged other active combatants still 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 Congolese armed forces, supported by the Wazalendo self-defense groups. Fighting remains particularly intense in several territories of North Kivu and South Kivu, where the security situation stays concerning.
