The United States has announced sanctions on the Congo River Alliance, also known by its French name Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), a coalition of armed groups responsible for violent conflict and civilian displacement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The measures extend to individuals and entities associated with AFC.
AFC and its affiliates, including the U.S.- and UN-designated, Rwanda-backed M23 group, have sought the overthrow of the DRC government through violence. This has resulted in serious violations of international law and exacerbated a humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC. The U.S. condemns the displacement of civilians in North Kivu, the encirclement of its provincial capital Goma, and human rights abuses committed by M23 in Masisi, Rutshuru, and Nyiragongo territories.
"The United States has long sought to hold accountable those actors harming civilians and creating instability in eastern DRC," said an official statement. "Today’s measures are intended to support a DRC that is peaceful, prosperous, and sovereign." The statement reiterated the U.S.'s commitment to supporting regional peace processes, including the Angola-led Luanda process and East African Community-led Nairobi process.
The Department of the Treasury's actions were taken pursuant to Executive Order 13413, “Blocking Property of Certain Persons Contributing to the Conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” as amended. More information on these actions can be found in Treasury’s press release.
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