The European Union is preparing to impose sanctions on nine individuals linked to the ongoing violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to two EU diplomats.
While the names of those targeted remain undisclosed, in line with EU protocol, foreign ministers are expected to approve the measures during a meeting in Brussels on Monday.
Fighting in eastern Congo has intensified since January, with the M23 rebel group seizing the region’s two largest cities. The conflict, rooted in Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and struggles over Congo’s vast mineral wealth, has displaced over 600,000 people since November, according to the U.N. humanitarian office. The Congolese government estimates at least 7,000 fatalities since January.
Kinshasa is weighing participation in peace talks with the M23, which Angola has proposed hosting next week, government sources said Thursday.
Rwanda, widely accused of backing the Tutsi-led rebels, denies any involvement. The EU last month summoned Rwanda’s ambassador, urging Kigali to withdraw troops from Congo and cease support for M23 and other armed groups.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has also warned that the bloc may reconsider its critical minerals agreement with Rwanda over its alleged ties to the rebels. Kigali denies providing arms or troops to M23.
