Title: UN Security Council Imposes Sanctions on Armed Group Leaders Amid Ongoing Violence in Congo’s Northeast

UN Sanctions Committee Targets Six Armed Group Leaders

• The UN Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Sanctions Committee added six armed group leaders to its list.
• The sanctions include an arms embargo, travel ban, and asset freeze.

Quote from US Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN:

“We are pleased that as of today, six additional armed group leaders have been designated by the UN DRC Sanctions Committee.” - Robert Wood

Targeted Individuals:

1. Two leaders of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF)
2. One leader from the Twirwaneho armed group
3. One from the National Coalition of the People for the Sovereignty of Congo (CNPSC) rebels
4. The military spokesperson for the M23 Tutsi-led rebels
5. A leader within the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR)

Renewed Violence and Displacement in the Northeast

• Northeastern DRC has experienced renewed violence, causing nearly 7 million people to be displaced over the past three decades.
• Civilians suffer from violence, including summary executions, abductions, sexual violence, and displacement.
• Fighting intensified in 2021, leading to a surge in attacks against humanitarian actors and a deteriorating security situation.

Humanitarian Crisis and Impact on Aid Groups

• The humanitarian situation in the DRC’s northeast remains dire as more than 400,000 people were forced to flee their homes over the past two weeks.
• Lack of safe drinking water has led to a surge in cholera cases.
• Goma, the region’s main headquarters for aid groups, is increasingly isolated, leading to more attacks against humanitarian actors.

Government’s Response and UN Mission’s Role

• The Congolese government, led by President Felix Tshisekedi, has promised to suppress fighting but accuses neighboring Rwanda of supporting M23 rebels.
• MONUSCO, the UN mission in the DRC for 25 years, was called to withdraw by Tshisekedi, with completion expected by the end of the year.

International Assistance and Regional Alliances

• The Congolese government relies on soldiers from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) after the East African regional bloc’s troops were sent but had their mandate ended.