The United States has imposed financial and legal sanctions on two senior leaders of armed groups operating in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), accusing them of serious human rights violations and attacks on civilians.

The US State Department said the measures target 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 these sanctions are part of broader efforts to foster peace and stability in the Great Lakes region, and to push conflict actors to respect international commitments, particularly those linked to the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity and the Doha process.

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

Separately, the Congolese army announced the surrender of 204 AFC-M23 fighters during April and May 2026. According to a statement from the spokesman for the 34th military region, Major Dieudonné Kasereka, these former combatants 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 the necessary steps for their care. Major Kasereka also called on remaining fighters 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 concerning.