- European Union plans sanctions on nine individuals linked to Congo violence, with approval expected Monday, March 17.
- Congo weighs participation in Angola-hosted peace talks amid ongoing conflict and Rwanda tensions.
Two European Union (EU) diplomats said on Friday that the EU plans to sanction nine individuals linked to violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. EU foreign ministers expect to approve these sanctions during their meeting in Brussels next Monday, March 17.
Officials have not disclosed the names of the targeted individuals because the EU does not reveal such details before official approval.
Fighting in Eastern Congo has escalated since January. Rebels of the M23 group have taken control of the region’s two largest cities. This conflict has deep roots in the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and the ongoing struggle for Congo’s vast mineral wealth.
Congo’s government is debating whether to send representatives to peace talks with the M23 group. Angola has offered to host these negotiations next week. Government sources said on Thursday that officials are still weighing their decision.
The Congolese government accuses Rwanda of backing the Tutsi-led M23 rebels. However, Rwanda denies this claim. The European Union has taken a firm stance against Rwanda’s alleged involvement.
Last month, EU officials summoned Rwanda’s ambassador, urging Rwanda to withdraw troops from Congolese territory immediately. They also demanded an end to any support for the M23 rebels or other armed groups.
EU foreign policy Chief Kaja Kallas has also announced a review of the EU’s agreement with Rwanda regarding critical raw materials. The EU wants to assess Rwanda’s potential ties to the M23 rebels before proceeding with further cooperation.
Rwanda insists that it does not supply arms or troops to the rebel group. The conflict has caused a humanitarian crisis. The Congolese government reports that at least 7,000 people have died since January.
The United Nations humanitarian affairs office estimates that at least 600,000 people have fled their homes since November. Many displaced families now struggle to find food, electricity, water, and medical assistance.
Eastern Congo remains unstable, with continued clashes between government forces and M23 rebels. International efforts to broker peace continue, but the situation remains tense.
The European Union hopes that new sanctions will pressure those responsible for the violence and help restore stability to the region.