US Imposes Sanctions on Key Commanders of FDLR and M23 in Eastern DRC

The United States has announced new measures to address ongoing threats to peace and stability in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). To this end, the US has sanctioned senior commanders from two previously designated armed factions: the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and the Rwanda-backed March 23 Movement (M23).

The sanctions specifically target Gustave Kubwayo, the commander of an FDLR intelligence and special operations unit. The FDLR has a documented history of perpetrating ethnic violence against civilians, exploiting child soldiers, and committing sexual violence, alongside launching cross-border attacks that continue to jeopardize Rwanda’s national security. Additionally, John Imani Nzenze, the chief of intelligence for the M23, has been designated. The M23 is an armed group responsible for numerous killings, severe human rights abuses, and targeted attacks on civilian populations within eastern DRC.

The current administration remains firmly dedicated to ensuring that all involved parties honor their obligations under the historic Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity and the Doha Framework. The United States will continue to leverage all available tools to foster long-term regional stability.

Today’s measures were enacted pursuant to the authorities granted under Executive Order (E.O.) 13413, as amended. For further details regarding these designations, please refer to the Department of the Treasury’s press release.

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