Financial Crime World

US Imposes Sanctions on Six Individuals Involved in Conflict in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Washington D.C. — The United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced sanctions on six individuals involved in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

U.S. Reaffirms Commitment to Peace and Human Rights in DRC

Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Brian E. Nelson, stated:

“The U.S. is committed to promoting a peaceful resolution to the escalating conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Treasury will continue to hold accountable those committing human rights abuses and contributing to this devastating humanitarian crisis.”

The conflict in the DRC started in November 2021, with the M23 militia seizing control of parts of North Kivu province. This led the Congolese military (FARDC) and non-state armed groups to respond. The U.S. is advocating for peace and human rights in the region and holding those responsible for sexual violence accountable.

Individuals Sanctioned

FDLR Leaders

  1. Apollinaire Hakizimana: Defence commissioner of the FDLR (Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda)
  2. Brigadier General Sebastian Uwimbabazi: Leads FDLR intelligence
  3. Ruvugayimikore Protogene: Leads the FDLR-affiliated Maccabe group, accused of planning, directing, or committing serious human rights abuses

M23 Militia

  1. Bernard Byamungu (Congolese national): M23’s deputy commander of operations and intelligence, designated as a leader of the organization

Congolese Military and Rwandan Defense Forces

  1. Colonel Salomon Tokolonga (Congolese military officer): Commands FARDC’s 3411th Regiment, led a coalition against M23, provided ammunition to FDLR
  2. The 3rd Division of the Rwandan Defense Forces: Led by Brigadier General Andrew Nyamvumba, entered DRC territory and attacked FARDC positions and camps

Sanctions and Penalties

As a result of these sanctions, all property and interests in property of the designated individuals in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked, and transaction prohibitions apply unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC. Financial institutions and other persons engaging in certain transactions with the sanctioned entities and individuals may be subject to sanctions or enforcement actions. For more information on the individual designated today, click here.

Goal of Sanctions

The ultimate goal of these sanctions remains to bring about a positive change in behavior toward peace and stability in the DRC. For detailed information on the process of requesting removal from an OFAC sanctions list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC’s Frequently Asked Question 897, and for more information on the removal process, please click here.