UN slaps fresh sanctions on Congo rebel leaders including Corneille Nangaa

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

Topping the list is Corneille Nangaa, identified as leader of the AFC/M23, who was already under UN sanctions. Beside him, John Imani Nzenze, described as the M23’s intelligence chief, faces measures for orchestrating and supporting rebel group activities.

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

Also listed are Muhammed Lumisa, commander and medical officer responsible for external logistics of the ADF (Allied Democratic Forces, of Ugandan origin), and Colonel Charles Sematama, military chief of the Twirwaneho group active in South Kivu’s Highlands. The latter is accused of atrocities against civilians since the group’s formation between 2008 and 2010.

Two entities join the sanctions roster: AFC, created in 2023, and Twirwaneho. These listings trigger asset freezes, travel bans and arms embargoes against the designated individuals and structures amid persistent fighting in eastern Congo that continues to raise international alarm.