BRUSSELS, March 17, 2025 – The European Union on Monday imposed sweeping sanctions targeting key Rwandan military officials, a prominent Rwandan mining executive, and leaders of the M23 rebel group, in a significant escalation of its response to the deepening crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The punitive measures, which include asset freezes and travel bans, aim to disrupt the networks fueling the escalating conflict, marked by a renewed offensive from the M23 and the alleged involvement of the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF).
Specifically, the EU targeted Major General Ruki Karusisi, commander of the RDF Special Forces; Major General Eugene Nkubito, commander of the RDF 3rd division; and Brigadier General Pascal Muhizi, commander of the RDF 2nd division. Additionally, Francis Kamanzi (a.k.a. Erasto), CEO of the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB), and the Gasabo Gold Refinery, based in Kigali, were sanctioned.
The EU also targeted Bertrand Bisimwa, president of the M23; Désiré Rukomera, head of recruitment and propaganda; Colonel John Imani Nzenze; Jean-Bosco Nzabonimpa Mupenzi, deputy chief of finances and production; and Joseph Musanga Bahati, appointed governor of North Kivu by the M23.
The EU statement detailed that the RDF commanders were sanctioned for their direct roles in “sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC.” Francis Kamanzi and the Gasabo Gold Refinery were targeted for their involvement in the “illicit exploitation and trade of natural resources,” particularly conflict minerals, which the EU says finances the conflict. The M23 leaders were sanctioned for their roles in inciting violence and committing serious human rights abuses.
“These restrictive measures have been adopted in view of the escalation of the conflict in eastern DRC related to the renewed offensive of the March 23 Movement (M23) / Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) supported by the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF),” the EU said in a statement.
The sanctions prohibit EU citizens and companies from providing funds or economic resources to the designated individuals and entities. With these additions, the EU’s DRC sanctions regime now covers 32 individuals and two entities.
