The United States announced on Thursday that it would impose sanctions on a coalition of rebel groups operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Treasury Department accused the Congo River Alliance (AFC) of seeking to overthrow the Congolese government and fueling ongoing conflict in the region.
The AFC, formed in December, is primarily composed of the M23 rebel group, which is already under US sanctions.
The M23 has been engaged in a protracted conflict with the Congolese army for over two years, leading to a humanitarian crisis that has displaced millions.
Both the DRC and Western nations have accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 with troops and weapons, a claim Rwanda denies.
In retaliation, Rwanda accuses Congo of backing the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a Hutu rebel group. This complex interplay of accusations has exacerbated tensions and contributed to the instability in the region.
The US Treasury Department’s Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Brian Nelson, condemned the AFC and its affiliates for perpetuating violence and harming civilians. The sanctions imposed on the group and its leaders aim to hold them accountable for their actions.
In addition to targeting the AFC, the US also reimposed sanctions on Corneille Nangaa, a former election commission chief accused of undermining democratic processes in the DRC. Nangaa, who was previously sanctioned in 2019, is now considered a leader of the AFC.
The sanctions will freeze any US assets belonging to the designated individuals and entities and prohibit US citizens from conducting business with them.
