The United Nations has broadened its sanctions list targeting armed factions operating in the eastern provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), adding several key figures and entities.

Among those newly listed is Corneille Naanga, leader of the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), which controls parts of the region. Naanga previously served as president of the National Electoral Commission and now faces restrictions alongside the AFC, a group already under scrutiny.

Also included is John Imani Nzenze, identified as the intelligence chief of the AFC’s military wing, which operates under the banner of the M23 rebel faction—previously sanctioned by the UN.

Freezing assets, travel bans, and Interpol listings

The expanded measures also target Charles Sematama, military commander of the Twirwaneho armed group, an ally of AFC/M23. The UN states Twirwaneho has been linked to grave violations in South Kivu, including civilian killings, child recruitment, and actions threatening regional stability.

Other figures added to the list include Muhammed Lumisa, logistics coordinator for the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an ISIS-affiliated jihadist faction active in the region, and two leaders from the Rwandan Democratic Liberation Forces (FDLR)—General Sébastien Uwimbabazi and Commander Gustave Kubwayo. The FDLR, composed largely of former Rwandan génocidaires, has long been a destabilizing force in eastern DRC.

Disrupting regional peace and security

According to the UN, all listed individuals and entities are accused of activities that undermine peace, stability, and security in eastern DRC. Member states are now required to enforce these sanctions, which include asset freezes, travel restrictions, and inclusion in Interpol databases.

For the AFC and Twirwaneho specifically, a total arms embargo has been imposed, further isolating these factions from external support.