European Union Imposes Sanctions on Nine Individuals, Including three Rwandan senior officers

On Monday, March 17, 2025, the European Union (EU) announced sanctions against nine individuals, including Rwandans, accusing them of involvement in the conflicts in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 

Among those sanctioned are three senior officers of the Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF): 

Maj. Gen Karusisi Ruki, former commander of the Special Forces. 

Maj. Gen Eugène Nkubito, current commander of the RDF Third Division. 

Brig. Gen Muhizi Pascal, commander of the RDF Second Division. 

The EU accuses these military officials of leading or having led forces deployed to fight in eastern DRC, which the EU describes as a “violation of the territorial integrity of the DRC” and a contribution to armed conflict and insecurity. 

In addition to these military officers, other Rwandans facing sanctions include: 

Desiré Rukomera, accused of overseeing recruitment for the M23 rebel group. 

Francis Kamanzi, head of the Rwanda Mining, Petroleum, and Gas Board. 

Gasabo Gold Refinery, a company accused of involvement in the trade of minerals from DRC. 

The EU also sanctioned Congolese individuals affiliated with M23, including: 

Bertrand Bisimwa, President of M23. 

Col. John Imani Nzenze, head of intelligence for M23. 

Jean Bosco Nzabonimpa Mupenzi, M23’s finance and resource officer. 

Col. Bahati Erasto, Governor of North Kivu. 

The sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans across EU member states. The EU claims these individuals have contributed to human rights violations, including severe collective punishments imposed by M23 on civilians in eastern DRC. 

The Rwandan government has yet to issue an official response to these sanctions. However, Rwanda has consistently denied similar accusations in the past, stating that it has no involvement in the DRC conflict and instead accusing the Congolese government of supporting armed groups that threaten Rwanda’s security.