The United Nations has expanded its sanctions regime targeting armed factions operating in the eastern provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu, adding several new entities to its blacklist.

Among those sanctioned is Corneille Naanga, a prominent figure linked to the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), which has been active in the region. Naanga previously served as president of the Independent National Electoral Commission (Céni) before assuming leadership of the AFC, an armed group now under scrutiny for its destabilizing activities.

Also included is John Imani Nzenze, identified as the intelligence chief of the AFC’s military wing—a faction already recognized as the M23 by international observers. The group’s operations have drawn widespread condemnation for their impact on civilian populations.

Asset freezes, travel bans, and Interpol listings

The sanctions package targets Charles Sematama, military commander of the Twirwaneho faction, a group aligned with the AFC/M23. According to UN assessments, Twirwaneho has been directly implicated in severe violations, including targeted killings of civilians, forced recruitment of child soldiers, and broader threats to regional stability.

Additional sanctions have been levied against Muhammed Lumisa, a senior commander and logistics coordinator for the ADF, a jihadist organization affiliated with the Islamic State. The group has been responsible for numerous attacks across eastern DRC.

Two high-ranking members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) have also been designated: Brigadier General Sébastien Uwimbabazi and Commander Gustave Kubwayo. The FDLR, composed largely of former Rwandan génocidaires, has long been a source of instability in the region.

Disrupting peace and security in eastern DRC

UN officials state that all designated individuals and entities are accused of activities that directly undermine peace, stability, and security in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The measures, which include asset freezes, travel restrictions, and inclusion in Interpol databases, are binding for all UN member states.

For the AFC and Twirwaneho, an additional total arms embargo has been imposed, further restricting their operational capabilities.