EU to Impose Sanctions on 9 Rwandan Officials on Monday

The European Union (EU) plans to impose sanctions on Rwandan officials due to their alleged support for the M23 rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The EU foreign ministers will meet on Monday, March 17, to approve these sanctions.

Diplomatic sources confirmed that the sanctions will affect around nine or ten individuals. However, their names have not been revealed yet. The EU had already taken steps against Rwanda, such as suspending defense discussions and reconsidering its agreement on critical raw materials due to the country's suspected role in the conflict.

Fighting in eastern DRC has resulted in the deaths of at least 7,000 people since January, and more than 600,000 have been displaced since November, according to the United Nations. The M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have taken control of important areas, including the cities of Goma and Bukavu.

Belgium is leading the push for stronger action against Rwanda, suggesting measures such as blocking mineral deals, stopping development aid, and cutting support for Rwanda’s peacekeeping efforts in Mozambique.

Meanwhile, Rwanda denies supporting the M23 rebels and claims its involvement is due to threats from ethnic Hutu fighters in the DRC. Despite Rwanda's diplomatic efforts to ease tensions, the EU is expected to follow the United States, which has already placed financial sanctions on Rwandan officials, including Minister James Kabarebe and M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka.

The situation remains tense, with fears that the conflict could escalate further, similar to the Second Congo War (1998–2003), which led to millions of deaths across Africa.