Brussels, Mar. 17 (EFE).- The European Union (EU) imposed sanctions on Monday on nine individuals, including leaders of the M23 rebel group and senior officials of Rwanda’s military, as well as one company, for their alleged roles in fueling the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The sanctions approved by the EU Foreign Affairs Council, bring the total number of sanctioned individuals and entities to 32 and two, respectively.
These measures, which include asset freezes and travel bans within the EU, were officially published in the EU’s Official Journal.
Among those targeted are Bertrand Bisimwa, the president of the March 23 Movement (M23), and Joseph Musanga Bahati, the governor of North Kivu province and a key figure in the rebel group’s leadership.
Also sanctioned is Major General Ruki Karusisi, commander of the special forces of the Rwanda Defense Force (RDF), which has been deployed in eastern DRC. The EU claims Rwanda’s military presence in the region is unauthorized and violates the DRC’s territorial integrity.
Additionally, Francis Kamanzi, CEO of Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB), has been blacklisted for allegedly exploiting the conflict by profiting from the illicit trade of natural resources. Gasabo Gold Refinery, a Kigali-based company, was also sanctioned for similar activities.
EU condemns Rwanda’s role in DRC conflict
The sanctions follow a statement issued on Jan. 25 by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, expressing “deep concern” over the worsening conflict in eastern DRC. The EU attributes the escalation to a new offensive by M23, allegedly ed by the Rwandan military.
According to EU officials, illegal extraction and trafficking of natural resources from eastern DRC are financing M23 operations and exacerbating the crisis.
Diplomatic sources described the sanctions as “balanced and gradual,” targeting both Rwandan and Congolese actors, including military leaders and those involved in illicit trade.
The EU aims to maintain diplomatic channels open while prioritizing diplomatic solutions.
“This is not an attack on Rwanda,” sources emphasized, but rather a response to “violations of international humanitarian law.”
Rwanda cuts ties with Belgium over DRC conflict
In a separate development, Rwanda severed diplomatic relations with Belgium on Monday, accusing its former colonial ruler of siding against it in the DRC conflict.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot condemned Rwanda’s decision, calling it “disproportionate” and evidence that Rwanda “prefers not to engage in dialogue when disagreements arise.” Belgium is expected to take reciprocal measures.
The latest surge in violence stems from ongoing clashes between M23, an armed group composed mainly of ethnic Tutsis who fled Rwanda’s 1994 genocide, and the Congolese military.
The DRC government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of backing M23, a charge Kigali denies.
As tensions escalate, the EU is also reviewing its memorandum of understanding with Rwanda regarding critical raw materials. EFE
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