The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on six individuals because they helped escalate conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Department of the Treasury told the public these actions reflect the United States' commitment to resolving the crisis and holding perpetrators of human rights abuses accountable, according to an Aug. 24 news release.
“The United States is committed to promoting a peaceful resolution to the escalation of conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo,” Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson said in the release. “Treasury will not hesitate to hold accountable actors committing human rights abuses and exacerbating this already dire humanitarian situation.”
OFAC sanctioned the six individuals, including leaders of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda and M23, along with a Congolese military commander and a leader of the Rwandan Defense Forces, for worsening conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the release reported. The individuals are Apollinaire Hakizimana, Sebastian Uwimbabazi, Ruvugayimikore Protogene, Bernard Byamungu, Salomon Tokolonga and Andrew Nyamvumba.
In November of 2021, the current conflict in the DRC began when the Rwanda-backed M23 occupied parts of the North Kivu province, leading to clashes with the Congolese military and other armed groups. According to the release, the U.S. stands in solidarity with the Congolese people against human rights violators.
The sanctions involve the blocking of their property and interests in property within the United States, with implications for entities owned by these individuals. Financial institutions and other entities engaging with the sanctioned parties may also face sanctions or enforcement actions, the release said.
One goal of these sanctions is to encourage positive behavioral change, and there is a process for individuals to seek removal from OFAC's list, according to the release.
