UN Sanctions on AFC/M23 Leaders Spark Debate: Bisimwa Says the Measures Undermine the Peace Process and Criticizes the Lack of Accountability for Alleged Abuses Against Civilians
MINEMBWE CAPITAL NEWS (MCN)
The Vice President of the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23), Bertrand Bisimwa, has strongly condemned the United Nations’ decision to impose sanctions on several leaders of the movement, arguing that the measures risk undermining ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at securing lasting peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
In a statement published on social media, Bisimwa asserted that the UN had chosen to sanction a party that, according to him, has participated in peace negotiations and continues to uphold its commitments, rather than addressing the root causes that have fueled decades of conflict in eastern DRC.
He stated:
“By sanctioning a party that has engaged in the peace process and continues to honor its commitments, the United Nations has departed from its responsibility to support peace and justice.”
Bisimwa further argued that the sanctions were not based on a comprehensive assessment of the conflict but were instead driven by political considerations. According to him, such measures could weaken the ongoing peace negotiations and further heighten tensions between the opposing parties.
He added that placing pressure on only one side risks prolonging the conflict rather than resolving it, emphasizing that sustainable peace cannot be achieved through sanctions alone but requires constructive dialogue and meaningful efforts to address the underlying causes of the crisis.
In his statement, Bisimwa also highlighted what he described as the continued suffering of civilians, including allegations of violence, forced displacement, and attacks against local communities. He maintained that these concerns should not be overlooked in efforts to achieve a lasting political settlement.
He warned that continued unilateral sanctions could contribute to increased tensions, renewed fighting, and setbacks in the diplomatic initiatives currently being facilitated by various regional and international mediators.
The sanctions were adopted by the United Nations Security Council Sanctions Committee, targeting several AFC/M23 leaders as well as the movement itself. Those listed include Corneille Nangaa, John Imani Nzenze, the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), and M23/ARC.
The measures include the freezing of assets that may be held within UN member states, international travel bans, and restrictions on conducting commercial transactions or receiving forms of assistance that could benefit the sanctioned individuals or entities.
The decision comes as peace negotiations continue in Doha, Qatar, alongside parallel regional diplomatic initiatives supported by the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), all aimed at finding a durable solution to the security crisis that has affected eastern DRC for more than three decades.
The UN sanctions have generated considerable debate among observers of the conflict. Some argue that sanctions remain an important diplomatic tool for increasing pressure on parties involved in the violence. Others contend that the international community should also ensure accountability for allegations of abuses committed by all actors accused of violations against civilians, so that justice is seen to be applied impartially.
The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to accuse AFC/M23 of carrying out military operations and occupying parts of the country. AFC/M23, meanwhile, maintains that its objective is to protect civilian populations and pursue political solutions to the grievances it says it has consistently raised.
Many analysts argue that achieving lasting peace will ultimately depend on an inclusive political dialogue involving all stakeholders, as well as meaningful progress on security, the protection of civilian rights, the refugee crisis, governance reforms, and national reconciliation, rather than relying solely on sanctions.
As negotiations continue, the international community remains closely engaged, hoping that all parties will prioritize the interests of civilians who have endured decades of armed conflict, displacement, and humanitarian hardship in eastern DRC.
