The United States has imposed financial and legal penalties on two senior commanders of armed groups active in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), accusing them of serious human rights violations and attacks on civilian populations.
The US State Department stated that the measures target Gustave Kubwayo, a leader of 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 says these sanctions are part of broader efforts to advance peace and stability in the Great Lakes region. The US also aims to push all conflict actors to uphold their international commitments, particularly those under the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity and the Doha process.
Gustave Kubwayo is alleged to be involved in multiple atrocities linked 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, a group the US considers backed by Rwanda. Washington attributes to this movement numerous murders, grave human rights violations, and repeated attacks on civilian communities in eastern DRC.
Separately, the Congolese army announced the surrender of 204 AFC-M23 combatants over April and May 2026. According to Major Dieudonné Kasereka, spokesperson for the 34th military region, these former fighters 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 steps to accommodate the surrender. Major Kasereka also called on remaining fighters still active in forested areas to lay down their arms 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 intense in several territories of North Kivu and South Kivu, where the security situation stays concerning.
