EU Sanctions Rwandan Military and M23 Leaders Amid DRC Conflict Escalation Over Mineral Wealth

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government welcomed the EU's imposition of sanctions, effective Monday, against nine Rwandan military officials and leaders of the M23 rebel group due to their offensive in eastern DRC. The Congolese government stated that these sanctions, along with those from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and Canada, reinforce the belief that the Rwandan government is directly responsible for the deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC. Kinshasa particularly welcomed sanctions against officials involved in Rwanda's mining and petroleum sectors, viewing it as a step against the exploitation of DRC's mineral wealth. The DRC government will continue to work with the international community to impose an embargo on illegally extracted minerals and seek greater transparency in arms transfers to Rwanda. Despite this, the DRC remains committed to ongoing diplomatic processes. The M23 has canceled its participation in peace negotiations in response to the EU sanctions.