On July 26, 2024, the Council of the EU adopted Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2065 and Council Implementing Decision (CFSP) 2024/2064 to add nine individuals and one entity to the EU sanctions list. The Council reported that the designations were imposed in connection with serious human rights violations and abuses in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (“DRC”) and for facilitating the armed conflict or contributing the instability in Eastern DRC. Most of the designees are leaders of armed groups that are allegedly responsible for the conflict in the DRC, which include the March 23 Movement/Congolese Revolutionary Army (“M23/ARC”) and the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda-Forces Combattantes Abucunguzi (“FDLR-FOCA”). According to the Council, these groups and others are responsible for sustaining the conflict in the DRC by inciting violence and engaging in serious human right abuses against civilians, including killings, sexual violence, arbitrary detentions and kidnappings. The Council designated one entity, the Alliance Fleuve Congo (“AFC”) that is allegedly involved in the DRC conflict and is associated with several non-governmental armed groups in the DRC, including the M23/ARC.
These designations were imposed under the DRC sanctions regime, which targets individuals and entities involved the obstruction of the electoral process and related human rights violations in the DRC. The regime subjects listed persons to asset freezes and travel bans in the European Union and prohibits EU citizens and companies from engaging in transactions and making funds available to them.
Council of the EU Press Release | Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2065 | Council Implementing Decision (CFSP) 2024/2064