Headline: US and EU Impose Sanctions on Individuals Over Congo Conflict: Rwanda’s Brig. Gen. Andrew Nyamvumba and Others
The United States and European Union (EU) Impose Sanctions
The US and EU have imposed financial and property sanctions on individuals for their roles in backing abusive armed groups in the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
US Sanctions
- The US government sanctioned:
- Rwanda defense force commander, Brig. Gen. Andrew Nyamvumba
- Col. Salomon Tokolonga of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC)
- Four leaders or senior commanders of the M23 and Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) armed groups
EU Sanctions
- The EU imposed targeted sanctions on six individuals, including:
- RDFCapt. Jean-Pierre Niragire (alias Gasasira)
Accusations Against the Individuals
Brig. Gen. Andrew Nyamvumba
- Accused of conducting attacks on Congolese army positions and camps together with M23 fighters in 2022
- Coordination of RDF operations documented by UN investigators
M23 Resurgence and Abuses
- M23 offensive started in early 2022, resulting in civilian deaths, humanitarian suffering, and over a million people displaced
- Extensive reports from Human Rights Watch detailing M23 group’s abuses since its resurgence
- Two separate investigations published in June revealed horrific abuses committed by M23 and called for sanctions against its leaders and Rwandan commanders supporting them
Rwanda’s Support for M23 and Increased International Scrutiny
- EU imposed sanctions on FARDC’s Colonel Tokolonga for the Congolese army’s collaboration with abusive militias in the fight against the M23
- Previously documented brutal abuses carried out by armed groups
- Increased international scrutiny on Rwanda’s support for the abusive M23 group
Continued Need for Action
- US and EU sanctions a step in the right direction
- Further sanctions against senior leaders and officials needed to put increased pressure on Rwanda and bring the conflict in eastern Congo to an end