The United States has imposed financial and legal sanctions on two senior leaders of armed groups active in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Both are accused of serious human rights violations and attacks against civilian populations.
The US measures target Gustave Kubwayo, a prominent figure in 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 says these actions aim to advance peace and stability in the Great Lakes region and compel conflict parties to honour international commitments, including the Washington Accords and the Doha process.
US authorities link Gustave Kubwayo to multiple FDLR atrocities, such as ethnically motivated violence, child soldier recruitment, sexual violence, and cross-border attacks threatening Rwandan security. John Imani Nzenze is accused of involvement with the M23, which Washington claims receives Rwandan support. The US attributes numerous killings, grave human rights abuses, and repeated attacks on civilian communities in eastern DRC to this movement.
Meanwhile, the Congolese army announced the surrender of 204 AFC-M23 fighters during April and May 2026. Major Dieudonné Kasereka, spokesperson for the 34th military region, said these ex-combatants turned themselves in across various operational zones in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, including Lubero, Rutshuru, Masisi, and Kalehe. Military authorities have arranged for their handling. Major Kasereka urged remaining fighters in forested areas to lay down weapons and join the surrender process.
These events unfold as fighting persists between the AFC-M23 and the Armed Forces of the DRC, backed by Wazalendo self-defence groups. Clashes remain fierce in several territories of North Kivu and South Kivu, where the security situation continues to be concerning.