European Union Freezes Assets of Congolese Military Spokesperson Willy NGOMa

Last updated: February 23, 2024

The European Union (EU) has updated its sanctions list, freezing the assets of Congolese military spokesperson Willy NGOMa. This designation is part of the broader EU regulatory framework against human rights violations and international law abuses in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Background

Willy NGOMa, born in 1974, is a major in the Congolese military and serves as the military spokesperson for the M23 militia group.

::: warning Important notice: This article is intended to provide a summary of the EU’s actions against Willy NGOMa. For comprehensive and up-to-date information, please consult the official sources mentioned in this article. :::

EU Sanctions

The EU’s Democratic Republic of the Congo (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, and its Isle of Man counterpart, have designated Willy NGOMa due to his ties to conflicts and political unrest in the DRC. As a result, his assets are subject to an asset freeze.

UN Resolutions

NGOMa’s designation also falls under the following UN Security Council resolutions:

• Resolution 2293 (2016): targets political and military leaders of militias impeding disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration processes in the DRC.
• Resolution 2688 (2023): addresses individuals planning, directing, or committing human rights violations or international law abuses in the DRC.

Designated Individual

As a leader of the M23 militia, Willy NGOMa is subject to an asset freeze under these regulations. The UN and the UK have linked NGOMa to human rights violations and acts of international law abuse, including:

• Targeting of civilians
• Rape
• Displacement
• Attacks on schools and hospitals

Compliance Requirements

Financial institutions and other persons are required to:

1. Freeze any accounts or funds held for or on behalf of designated individuals, such as Willy NGOMa.
2. Not deal with or make such assets available without a license from the Treasury.
3. Report findings to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).

Penalties for Non-compliance

Failure to adhere to financial and trade sanctions legislation could result in criminal offenses.

If your institution has already reported previously frozen funds, you are not required to submit the information again.

Additional Resources

For further information on the EU’s DRC sanctions and links to other financial sanctions regimes, visit the Customs and Excise pages of the Isle of Man Government website.

As of February 23, 2024, Willy NGOMa remains designated under EU and UN sanctions regulations, and his assets are frozen under these designations.