Brussels, July 26 – The European Union on Friday imposed sanctions on nine individuals and one entity linked to ongoing violence and human rights abuses in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The targeted group includes two leaders of the M23 rebel group, notorious for its intensified attacks in eastern Congo this year. Also on the list are two members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda.
According to an EU Council statement, these individuals are accused of fueling conflict, instability, and insecurity in the country, primarily through instigating violence. The bloc further condemned their involvement in severe human rights violations, including mass killings, sexual assaults, and the recruitment of child soldiers.
The sanctions list also names a commander from both the Allied Democratic Forces and the Rwanda Defence Force, as well as two from the Collectif des Mouvements pour le Changement-Forces de Défense du Peuple. Additionally, the Alliance Fleuve Congo, a politico-military group operating in eastern Congo, was designated for sanctions.
Those on the blacklist will now face a travel ban and asset freeze within the EU.
