Financial Crimes and Human Rights Abuses: The case of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has long been battling the consequences of financial crimes and human rights abuses. The latest update to the UK Sanctions List has confirmed the designation of individuals linked to a rebel militia accused of such abuses.
Willy NGOmA: A Leader Implicated in Financial Crimes and Human Rights Abuses
On 23rd February 2024, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) made amendments to the UK Sanctions List, including the correction of one entry regarding Willy NGOmA [1]. NGOmA:
- Major and military spokesperson for the M23 militia
- Born in 1974, from Camp Kokolo in Kinshasa
- Democratic Republic of Congolese nationality
- Planner, promoter, and supporter of M23 activities
- Designated political and military leader of Congolese militias receiving external support
- Obstructor of disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration processes
- Accused of committing human rights violations or abuses
Designation under UN Security Council Resolution 2293 (2016)
NGOmA is designated under various sections of UN Security Council resolution 2293 (2016) [2]. These sections include being a political and military leader of Congolese militias receiving external support, obstructing disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration processes, and committing acts in the DRC that constitute human rights violations or abuses, such as:
- Killing and maiming
- Rape and other sexual violence
- Abduction
- Forced displacement
- Attacks on schools and hospitals
Financial institutions and other entities are required to report and freeze any funds or assets associated with designated individuals under the given sanctions legislation. Failure to comply with these regulations and attempts to circumvent their provisions are criminal offenses.
The Importance of Adherence to Financial and Trade Sanctions
As the DRC continues to navigate its economic landscape in the wake of these challenges, the importance of adherence to financial and trade sanctions cannot be overstated. The following resources offer more comprehensive details regarding designated individuals and their affiliations:
Further Information
Additional details regarding the sanctions regime related to the Democratic Republic of Congo and links to other financial sanctions regimes can be found on the Customs and Excise pages of the Isle of Man Government website. [3] Further information regarding the UN measures in this respect can be obtained from the UN Security Council website. [4]
[1] http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ofsi-sanctions-list-as-at-23-february-2024/uk-sanctions-list-as-at-23-february-2024--3 [2] https://undocs.org/S/RES/2293(2016) [3] https://www.gov.im/categories/customs-and-excise/customs-procedures/customs-compliance/sanctions/ [4] https://www.un.org/sc/en/sc1284