The senior director of the Counter Extremism Project, Hans-Jakob Schindler, tells the Sun that the impasse reflects a classic policy bind.

“The role of Rwanda in supporting M23 in the DRC is a negative and destructive one; on the other hand, its military support in Mozambique is constructive and needed,” Mr. Schindler says.

He points out that the sanctions move appeared calibrated to leave room for reversal, targeting the entirety of the RDF but only four of its leaders, and tying the action specifically to M23 support.

“This means that should the RDF cease support for M23, the sanctions move can be reversed,” he continues, while acknowledging that Washington now finds itself in the uncomfortable position of potentially relying on a sanctioned force to protect American investments.