BRUSSELS (CHATNEWSTV) — The European Union on Monday imposed sanctions on nine individuals and one entity accused of fueling armed conflict, instability, and human rights abuses in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The move follows the escalating violence in eastern DRC, linked to the renewed offensive of the March 23 Movement (M23) and its affiliate, the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), allegedly backed by Rwanda’s military.
Among those sanctioned are five senior leaders of M23, including the group’s president, Bertrand Bisimwa, and its head of recruitment and propaganda, Désiré Rukomera. The EU also listed Joseph Musanga Bahati, appointed by M23 as the governor of North Kivu in what the bloc called an “illegal administration.”
Additionally, the EU sanctioned three high-ranking officers in Rwanda’s Defense Forces (RDF) and Francis Kamanzi, CEO of Rwanda Mines, Petroleum, and Gas Board, for allegedly profiting from conflict minerals. Gasabo Gold Refinery, based in Kigali, was also blacklisted for reportedly importing illicit gold from M23-controlled areas.
“The EU is holding accountable those responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability, and insecurity in the DRC,” the Council said in a statement.
With Monday’s decision, the EU now has sanctions on 32 individuals and two entities in connection with the DRC crisis. Those designated face asset freezes and travel bans, while EU businesses are barred from financial dealings with them.
The measures build on previous sanctions first introduced in 2016 and expanded in 2022 to include those benefiting from the illicit exploitation of natural resources.
