EU imposes sanctions on nine DR Congo officials over Kasai violence

Nine officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC) have been sanctioned by the European Union (EU).

According to a statement released on Monday by the European Council, the nine individuals who hold positions of responsibility in the state administration and in the chain of command of the security forces in DRC will face restrictive measures from the bloc with immediate effect.

They include a ban on entering the EU and an asset freeze, as well as a prohibition to make funds or economic resources available to the listed individuals.

The nine are said to be connected to the violence in the restive Kasai region that has left hundreds dead, they are accused of committing acts constituting serious human rights violations, by planning, directing or committing them.

They include; current vice prime minister and minister of interior and security, Ramazani Shadari and former holder of the posts, Evariste Boshab, Lambert Mende, minister of communications and media and government spokesperson, Kalev Mutond head of the National Intelligence Service, Muhindo Akili Mundos, FARDC commander 31st brigade, Brigadier General Eric Ruhorimbere , deputy commander of the 21st military region (Mbuji-Mayi), the governor of Central Kasai, Gedeon Kyungu Mutanga, former governor of Haut-Katanga, Jean-Claude Kazembe Musonda and militia leader ,Gideon Kyungu Mutanga.

“The crisis in Kasai Province has reached an exceptional level in security and humanitarian terms and as regards human rights. While strongly condemning all acts of violence irrespective of their origin, the EU is concerned about reports of disproportionate use of force by State bodies, especially the security forces, in managing the crisis,” the statement said.

The nine join seven other people on whom the EU imposed sanctions as of 12 December 2016 in response to the obstruction of the electoral process and related human rights violations.