KIGALI, October 15, 2025 – The Rwandan government has issued a sweeping sanctions list targeting 25 individuals accused of terrorism and terrorism financing, marking a significant escalation in its campaign against armed groups operating in the region and their international networks.
The list, released on Tuesday, October 14, by Rwanda’s Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), names senior commanders of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)-based FDLR militia, founders of the opposition Rwanda National Congress (RNC), and members of groups like MRCD and FLN, painting a detailed picture of a globally dispersed network alleged to be plotting against the East African nation.
The Allegations and the Scope
The sanctions underscore the Rwandan government’s long-standing assertion that its security is threatened by a coalition of armed factions and political opponents based abroad. The individuals are accused of a range of activities, including:
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Planning and coordinating armed attacks on Rwandan territory.
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Financing terrorism through extortion, illegal taxation, and the plunder of natural resources in the DRC.
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Recruiting fighters and mobilizing financial support from diaspora communities across Europe, North America, and Africa.
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Inciting violence and acting as spokespersons for banned organizations.
The FDLR (Forces Démocratiques de Libération du Rwanda), a group founded by remnants of the forces responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, features prominently on the list. Several of its leaders are already under sanctions by the UN Security Council and the US government.
Key Figures on the List
The sanctioned individuals span continents, with bases reported in the DRC, South Africa, the United States, Belgium, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, and several other African nations. Among the most prominent are:
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Lt Gen Gaston Iyamuremye (aka Victor Byiringiro): The 76-year-old president of the FDLR, based in Walikale, eastern DRC. He is accused of being a central planner of terrorism activities targeting Rwanda and is already under international sanctions.
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Maj Gen Pacifique Ntawunguka (aka Omega): The 61-year-old commander of the FDLR’s armed wing, the FOCA. He is similarly accused of coordinating attacks and financing operations through illegal means in the DRC.
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Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa: A former Rwandan army chief and founding member of the RNC, now living in Pretoria, South Africa. The FIC states he has been convicted in absentia for grenade attacks in Kigali between 2010-2013 and maintains “direct connections with the FDLR command.”
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Theogene Rudasingwa (aka Redcom): Another RNC co-founder based in Washington, D.C., USA. He is alleged to have “masterminded” the same grenade attacks and initiated the collaboration between the RNC and the FDLR in 2013.
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Maj Robert Higiro (aka Gasisi): Identified as a member of the “P5” terror group, based in Nairobi, Kenya. He is accused of fundraising and coordinating RNC activities in the region, including training.
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Dr Emmanuel Hakizimana: A co-founder of the RNC based in Montreal, Canada, accused of recruiting for terror activities and financing.
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Eric Munyemana: The vice president of the FLN (National Liberation Front), based in Belgium. He is described as the coordinator of FLN terrorist activities and in charge of fundraising.
A Network of Alleged Financiers and Recruiters
Beyond the military and political leaders, the list targets individuals alleged to be the logistical and financial backbone of these groups. These include:
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Col Sylvestre Sebahinzi (aka Zinga Zinga ZZ): A businessman in Lusaka, Zambia, and nephew to former President Juvenal Habyarimana, accused of mobilizing financial support in Southern Africa.
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Maj Alphonse Munyarugendo (aka Monaco Dollar): The FDLR’s coordinator for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, based in Maputo, Mozambique.
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Gaspard Musabyimana, Michel Niyibizi, and Augustin Munyaneza: All based in various cities in Belgium, accused of advocating for terror groups, fundraising, and publicizing their activities.
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Jonathan Musonera: Based in London, UK, accused of mobilizing funds for “NEW-RNC” activities.
Conclusion and Implications
The publication of this list represents a clear effort by the Rwandan government to name, shame, and financially isolate individuals it considers a direct threat to national security. By detailing their alleged roles and international connections, Kigali is putting a spotlight on what it describes as a global terror-financing network and likely urging host countries to take legal action.
The sanctions freeze any assets the individuals may hold in Rwanda and prohibit any financial transactions with them, a move aimed at crippling their operational capabilities.
