The European Union member states have imposed sanctions on nine individuals and one entity for human rights violations and their roles in perpetuating conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Among those sanctioned are two leaders of the M23 rebel group, a Tutsi-led faction that has escalated its activities in eastern Congo this year, and two leaders from the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).
“Both sustain the armed conflict, instability, and insecurity in the DRC, in particular through inciting violence,” the EU Council stated. “In addition, they are responsible for serious human rights abuses, including killings, sexual violence, attacks on civilians, and child recruitment.”
The EU also targeted a commander from both the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), as well as two leaders from the Collectif des Mouvements pour le Changement-Forces de Défense du Peuple (CMC-FDP).
The entity sanctioned is the Alliance Fleuve Congo, a politico-military movement created in Kenya but active in eastern Congo.
Sanctions include travel bans and asset freezes. EU citizens and companies are also prohibited from providing funds to those listed.
