OFAC Designates Rwanda Defence Force and Officials; Issues General License

OFAC Sanctions List Updates

Filed March 2nd, 2026

Detected March 2nd, 2026

Summary

The US Treasury's OFAC has designated the Rwanda Defence Force and four Rwandan officials under its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List for actions related to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. OFAC also issued DRC-related General License 1 to authorize the wind-down of transactions involving the Rwanda Defence Force.

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What changed

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has added the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and four Rwandan individuals (Stanislas Gashugi, Ruki Karusisi, Mubarakh Muganga, and Vincent Nyakarundi) to its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List. These designations are related to actions concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo and are accompanied by the issuance of DRC-related General License 1, which authorizes the wind-down of transactions involving the RDF. This action signifies a significant escalation in US sanctions related to the region.

Regulated entities, particularly those involved in international trade, finance, or with dealings in Rwanda or the DRC, must immediately review their transaction networks and customer lists to ensure compliance with these designations. All property and interests in property of the designated parties that come within US jurisdiction are blocked. The general license provides a limited window for winding down existing transactions with the RDF, and entities should consult its specific terms and expiration for compliance. Failure to comply with OFAC sanctions can result in severe civil and criminal penalties.

What to do next

Review transaction networks and customer lists for dealings with the designated Rwanda Defence Force and individuals.
Block all property and interests in property of the designated parties that come within US jurisdiction.
Consult DRC-related General License 1 for specific terms and deadlines related to winding down transactions with the Rwanda Defence Force.

Penalties

Civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance with OFAC sanctions.

Source document (simplified)

Democratic Republic of the Congo-related Designations; Issuance of Associated General License

03/02/2026 Press Release Link Treasury Sanctions Rwanda Officials, Condemns Blatant Violations of Washington Peace Accords The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is issuing DRC-related General License 1, "Authorizing the Wind Down of Transactions Involving the Rwanda Defence Force."

Additionally, OFAC has updated its Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List.

Specially Designated Nationals List Update

The following individuals have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

GASHUGI, Stanislas, Kigali, Rwanda; DOB 03 Mar 1973; POB Burundi; nationality Rwanda; Gender Male; National ID No. 1197380088990106 (Rwanda) (individual) [DRCONGO].

KARUSISI, Ruki, Kigali, Rwanda; DOB 05 Jun 1974; POB Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo; nationality Rwanda; Gender Male (individual) [DRCONGO].

MUGANGA, Mubarakh (a.k.a. "MK MUBARKH"), Rugando, Kigali, Rwanda; DOB 26 Jun 1967; POB Kampala, Uganda; nationality Rwanda; Gender Male; Passport PD100862 (Rwanda) expires 19 Aug 2026; National ID No. 1196780016764179 (Rwanda) (individual) [DRCONGO].

NYAKARUNDI, Vincent, Kigali, Rwanda; DOB 05 Nov 1969; POB Cikitoke, Burundi; nationality Rwanda; Gender Male (individual) [DRCONGO].