The European Union is set to impose sanctions on nine individuals linked to the ongoing violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, two EU diplomats confirmed on Friday. While the identities of those targeted remain undisclosed, EU foreign ministers are expected to approve the measures during a meeting in Brussels next Monday.
The move comes as the M23 rebel group continues to seize key territories in eastern Congo, capturing the region’s two largest cities since January. The conflict, which has deep historical roots in the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and competition over Congo’s vast mineral wealth, has escalated significantly in recent months.
The Congolese government is currently weighing whether to send representatives to peace talks with M23, scheduled to take place in Angola next week. However, Rwanda, accused of backing the Tutsi-led rebel group, has repeatedly denied any involvement.
Last month, the EU summoned Rwanda’s ambassador, demanding that Kigali withdraw its troops from Congolese territory and cease supporting M23 or any other armed faction. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has also indicated that the bloc may reconsider its agreement with Rwanda over critical raw materials due to its alleged ties to the rebel group. Rwanda has rejected these accusations.
The conflict has claimed at least 7,000 lives since January, according to the Congolese government. The U.N. humanitarian affairs office reports that over 600,000 people have been displaced since November.
