The United Nations Security Council Sanctions Committee, established under resolution 1533 (2004) on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, approved on July 14 the addition of six individuals and two entities to its sanctions list, according to a July 16 UN communiqué. This decision targets key armed actors destabilizing eastern DRC.

At the top of the list is Corneille Nangaa, designated as leader of the AFC/M23, who was already under UN sanctions. Beside him, John Imani Nzenze, identified as M23 intelligence chief, is also sanctioned for his role in planning and supporting rebel group activities.

The sanctions also target two commanders from the Rwanda Liberation Democratic Forces (FDLR): Brigadier General Sébastien Uwimbabazi, based in Rutshuru, and Gustave Kubwayo, alias « Sirkoof », FDLR-FOCA commander and head of the Commando for Deep Research and Action (CRAP), accused of targeting civilians, kidnapping for ransom, and illegal exploitation of natural resources.

Also sanctioned are Muhammed Lumisa, commander, doctor, and head of external logistics for the ADF (Allied Democratic Forces, of Ugandan origin), and Colonel Charles Sematama, military leader of the Twirwaneho group, active in South Kivu’s High Plateaus and accused of abuses against civilians since its formation between 2008 and 2010.

Two entities also join the list: the AFC, created in 2023, and Twirwaneho. These designations trigger asset freezes, travel bans, and arms embargoes against the listed individuals and entities, amid ongoing fighting in eastern DRC that continues to raise international concerns.