The United Nations has expanded its sanctions regime targeting armed factions operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with a particular focus on the eastern provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu.

Corneille Naanga, former head of the Independent National Electoral Commission (Céni), heads the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), one of the newly sanctioned entities. The group controls significant territories in the conflict-ridden regions. Also listed is John Imani Nzenze, identified as the intelligence chief of the AFC’s military wing, which shares close ties with the M23 rebel movement—already under UN sanctions.

Asset freezes, travel bans, and Interpol listings

The sanctions extend to Charles Sematama, military commander of the Twirwaneho armed group, an ally of AFC/M23. The UN alleges that Twirwaneho has been responsible for grave human rights violations in South Kivu, including civilian killings, child recruitment, and actions that destabilize regional security.

Other individuals facing restrictions include Muhammed Lumisa, logistics coordinator for the ADF jihadist faction, which maintains allegiance to the Islamic State organization. Additionally, two commanders from the Rwandan Democratic Liberation Forces (FDLR)—Sébastien Uwimbabazi and Gustave Kubwayo—have been designated for their alleged roles in fueling instability.

Disrupting peace and security in the region

According to the UN statement, the targeted individuals and groups are accused of undermining peace, stability, and security in eastern DRC. The measures include asset freezes, travel prohibitions, and placement on Interpol’s watchlists, obligations binding on all UN member states.

For the AFC and Twirwaneho factions, an arms embargo has also been reinstated, severely limiting their operational capacity.