Kagame’s Rwanda Reacts to US Sanctions against RDF and Top Military Officials

Paul Kagame’s Rwanda says it regrets one-sided sanctions the US government has slapped against the national army, Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) and at least four top military officials.

Kigali says that the sanctions issued on March 02, 2026 by the United States were “unjustly targeting only one party to the peace process” and that they “misrepresent the reality and distort the facts of the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.”

Rwanda accused the US of turning a blind eye as Felix Tshisekedi’s DR Congo continue to violate provisions of the ceasefire. Paul Kagame’s government and military were honoured to protect their country, the Office of the Government Spokesperson for the Republic of Rwanda said in a statement reacted to sanctions by Washington .

“Consistent and indiscriminate drone attacks and ground offensives constitute clear violations of ceasefire agreements by the DRC, and continue to cost many lives,” the statement said in part.

“Protecting our country is a badge of honour which the Rwanda Defense Force carries very proudly.”

In Rwanda’s view, Kinshasha has failed to meet its responsibilities as outlined in the Washington Accords.

“The DRC coalition includes foreign mercenaries, state-sponsored extremist ethnic militias (Wazalendo), and the FDLR genocidal militia which fights alongside the FARDC. The DRC committed, in the Washington Accords, to an irreversible and verifiable end to state support for the FDLR and associated militias, but have not taken any steps to do so,” the government spokesperson said.

“Rwanda is fully committed to disengagement of its forces in tandem with the DRC implementing their obligations.”

Kigali further said it “welcomes the resumption of the implementation process, including the Joint Oversight Committee, which requires an even-handed approach from all partners,” and that it “remains committed to delivering on all aspects of the Washington Accords, including the Regional Economic Integration Framework.”

You can read about the Rwandan military officials sanctioned by the US and what the sanctions mean Here.