The CEO of Rwanda’s mining regulator is among nine individuals and one company that have been added to European Union (EU) sanctions over the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC.
- •Francis Kamanzi, the CEO of Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB) has been sanctioned “due to his leading position in the RMB” which it accuses of exploiting the conflict to trade in conflict minerals.
- •The sanctions also list Gasabo Gold Refinery, for “illegally importing gold from M23-controlled regions.”
- •The regional bloc also listed five senior leaders of M23 in the new sanctions, including the movement’s president Bertrand Bisimwa, head of recruitment and propaganda Désiré Rukomera, and the deputy chief of finances and production of M23/ARC Jean-Bosco Nzabonimpa Mupenzi.
“Altogether, EU autonomous restrictive measures in view of the situation in the DRC now apply to a total of 32 individuals and 2 entities. Those designated are subject to a travel ban and an asset freeze,” the Council of the European Union said in a statement.
The bloc also listed three senior officers in the Rwanda Defence Force, including the commander of the Special Forces and the commander’s of the 2nd and 3rd divisions.
The announcement of the sanctions triggered the withdrawal of M23 negotiators from a planned meeting in Luanda, Angola. The group’s spokesperson said that the sanctions “seriously compromise direct dialogue and prevent any progress.”
Kinshasa had previously refused to negotiate directly with M23, but the changing dynamics in the conflict areas and elsewhere have led to a change in strategy. With the Southern African forces scheduled to begin a phased withdrawal, and M23 making significant gains in the east, Kinshasa now insists that it will attend the peace talks even after M23’s withdrawal.
Meanwhile, Rwanda has cut off diplomatic ties with Belgium, with both countries expelling the other’s diplomats. The spat between the two countries has escalated in recent weeks with Kigali accusing Belgium of taking sides. In a statement on Monday, Rwanda said Brussels “continues to systematically mobilize against Rwanda in different forums, using lies and manipulation to secure an unjustified hostile opinion of Rwanda.”
