RDC : The United States Declares Sanctions Against Various Rebel Groups

American Treasury Department Imposes Sanctions on Congolese Rebel Coalition

The American Treasury Department announced a series of sanctions targeting a coalition of Congolese rebel groups, the Congo River Alliance (AFC), accused of attempting to overthrow the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The AFC, which includes the March 23 Movement (M23), is accused by Washington of exacerbating instability in the country and causing civilian displacements, especially in the East, where fighting has been ongoing for over twenty years.

Sanctions Targeting Specific Individuals

The sanctions particularly focus on individuals such as Bertrand Bisimwa, the president of M23, and Charles Sematama, the military leader of another armed group, Twirwaneho. Also included is the former president of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), Corneille Yobeluo Nangaa, accused of playing a key role in delaying elections from 2016 to 2018.

Condemnation and Implementation of Sanctions

Brian Nelson, the American Treasury’s undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, emphasized the commitment to holding those seeking perpetual instability and violence accountable. The sanctions entail freezing all assets held in the U.S., directly or indirectly, by the targeted entities or individuals, along with prohibiting any American company or citizen from engaging in transactions with them. Furthermore, the State Department confirmed participating in the sanctions, extending the ban to those targeted individuals from entering the U.S.