Washington sanctions two armed group leaders in DRC as 204 fighters surrender

The United States has imposed financial and legal sanctions on two senior commanders of armed groups operating in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), accusing them of involvement in severe human rights abuses and attacks on civilian populations.

US targets two rebel commanders

The US Department of State announced the measures against Gustave Kubwayo, a leader of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), and John Imani Nzenze, described as the intelligence chief of the Congo River Alliance/M23 (AFC-M23). Washington stated that the sanctions are part of broader efforts to promote peace and stability in the Great Lakes region. The United States also aims to push conflict actors to honor their international commitments, including those linked to the Washington Peace and Prosperity Accords and the Doha process.

Kubwayo is alleged to have been involved in multiple atrocities attributed to the FDLR, including ethnic violence, recruitment of child soldiers, sexual violence, and cross-border attacks threatening Rwanda’s security. Nzenze is accused of playing a role within the M23, an armed group Washington considers to be backed by Rwanda. The US attributes to this movement several murders, serious human rights violations, and repeated attacks on civilian communities in eastern DRC.

204 AFC-M23 fighters surrender

Parallel to the sanctions, the Congolese army announced the surrender of 204 AFC-M23 combatants during April and May 2026. According to a statement from the spokesperson of the 34th military region, Major Dieudonné Kasereka, 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 said they have taken necessary measures to handle the surrendering fighters. Major Kasereka also called on other combatants still active 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 Armed Forces of the DRC, supported by the Wazalendo self-defense groups. Fighting remains particularly intense in several territories of North Kivu and South Kivu, where the security situation remains worrying.