Corneille Nangaa during a press conference in Goma
  • Security

The United Nations Security Council’s Sanctions Committee, established under Resolution 1533 (2004) concerning the Democratic Republic of Congo, has officially expanded its sanctions list by adding six individuals and two armed groups. The announcement, made public on 16 July, targets key figures fueling instability in eastern DRC.

The most prominent name on the list is Corneille Nangaa, identified as the leader of the Allied Forces of Congo (AFC/M23), who was already under prior UN sanctions. Also sanctioned is John Imani Nzenze, a colonel designated as the M23’s intelligence chief, accused of orchestrating rebel activities and logistical support.

The sanctions extend to two senior commanders of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR): Sébastien Uwimbabazi, a brigadier general operating in Rutshuru, and Gustave Kubwayo, alias Sirkoof, commander of FDLR-FOCA and head of the Deep Research and Action Commando (CRAP). These leaders are implicated in civilian targeting, kidnappings for ransom, and illegal exploitation of natural resources.

Additional sanctions were placed on Muhammed Lumisa, a commander and medical coordinator for the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF)—an Ugandan-origin armed group—and Colonel Charles Sematama, military chief of the Twirwaneho faction active in South Kivu’s Highlands. Sematama’s group has been linked to repeated abuses against civilians since its formation between 2008 and 2010.

The sanctions also include two entities: the AFC, founded in 2023, and Twirwaneho. The measures entail asset freezes, travel bans, and arms embargoes for both individuals and groups, in response to ongoing violence in eastern DRC that continues to draw international concern.