The United States has imposed new sanctions on senior figures from the M23 rebel movement and the FDLR militia, escalating pressure on armed groups fueling conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The move signals Washington’s determination to enforce commitments made under the Washington peace accords.
The United States announced fresh sanctions on Tuesday against two commanders accused of playing key roles in the conflict that continues to destabilize eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The measures, imposed by the U.S. Treasury Department, target John Imani Nzenze, the intelligence chief of the M23 rebel movement, and Gustave Kubwayo, also known as “Colonel Sirkoof,” a senior commander within the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).
According to Washington, both men are involved in activities that contribute to violence and insecurity in the region despite ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict.
Two influential figures in the conflict
