Monday, March 17, 2025
The Editorial Staff
Rwanda's Aggression in DRC: EU Sanctions 9 More Criminals and One Entity
Sanctioned RDF Generals, Brig Gen Pascal MUHIZI on the left, Gen Maj Nkubito on the Right and Ruki Karusisi Commander of RDF’s Special Forces in the middle
Today, the EU announced sanctions on nine more individuals and one company for their crimes against the people of DRC. These people are responsible for serious human rights violations, supporting war, and stealing Congo's natural resources.
The EU has made this decision because of the growing violence in eastern DRC, which is directly linked to the attacks by the March 23 Movement (M23) terrorist group. This group, which is supported by the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), continues to bring pain and destruction to the Congolese people.
Who is Being Punished?
The EU has put five top leaders of M23 on its blacklist. These criminals have played a big role in making the DRC suffer:
Bertrand Bisimwa, leader of M23, who commands this terrorist group.
Désiré Rukomera, is responsible for spreading lies and recruiting new fighters.
Colonel John Imani Nzenze, a top commander in the M23.
Jean-Bosco Nzabonimpa Mupenzi, in charge of M23’s illegal money and business operations.
Joseph Musanga Bahati, an M23 puppet pretending to be the governor of North Kivu, violating DRC’s sovereignty.
But the EU did not stop there! It has also targeted top Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) officers, proving Rwanda’s dirty role in this conflict:
Ruki Karusisi, commander of RDF’s Special Forces, is spreading terror in DRC.
Eugene Nkubito, a major general in RDF’s 3rd division, is responsible for war crimes.
Pascal Muhizi, a brigadier general in RDF’s 2nd division, who helps M23 kill innocent people.
The EU also exposed how Rwanda is stealing Congo’s wealth. One of the criminals sanctioned is Francis Kamanzi (a.k.a. Erasto), head of the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum, and Gas Board. This man profits from blood minerals stolen from DRC. Additionally, Gasabo Gold Refinery, a company based in Kigali, has been caught smuggling illegal gold from M23-controlled areas, funding Rwanda’s war machine.
What These Sanctions Mean
With this update, the EU now has sanctions on 32 people and 2 companies linked to the conflict in the DRC. These sanctions include:
Travel ban – These individuals cannot enter the EU.
Asset freeze – Their money and properties in the EU are blocked.
Funding restrictions – EU citizens and businesses are not allowed to provide them with money or financial support.
These measures are part of the EU’s efforts to stop the violence and illegal exploitation of resources in the DRC.
