UN imposes sanctions on armed group leaders in Democratic Republic of Congo
- Security
The United Nations Security Council’s Sanctions Committee, established under Resolution 1533 (2004) concerning the Democratic Republic of Congo, has officially designated six individuals and two entities to its sanctions list. The announcement, made public on July 16, targets key armed actors destabilizing the eastern regions of the country.
Corneille Nangaa, already under UN sanctions, heads the Allied Forces of Congo/Movement of March 23 (AFC/M23). Among those sanctioned alongside him is John Imani Nzenze, a colonel identified as M23’s intelligence chief, accused of planning and supporting rebel activities.
The sanctions also target two commanders from the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR): Sébastien Uwimbabazi, a brigadier general based in Rutshuru, and Gustave Kubwayo, alias “Sirkoof,” commander of FDLR-FOCA and head of the Commando for Deep Research and Action (CRAP). These leaders face accusations of targeting civilians, kidnapping for ransom, and illegal exploitation of natural resources.
Additional sanctions have been imposed on Muhammed Lumisa, commander and medical officer overseeing external logistics for the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF)—an Ugandan-origin armed group—and Colonel Charles Sematama, military chief of the Twirwaneho group active in South Kivu’s Highlands. Sematama’s group has been implicated in abuses against civilians since its formation between 2008 and 2010.
The sanctions extend to two entities: the AFC, established in 2023, and Twirwaneho. These measures include asset freezes, travel bans, and arms embargoes against the designated individuals and groups. The move comes amid escalating violence in eastern DRC, prompting international concern.
