The United Nations has intensified pressure against commanders of M23 and the FDLR by imposing heavy sanctions on them.
According to details emerging, Major Willy Ngoma the spokesperson of the M23 armed group has been slapped with UN sanctions.
Ngoma is accused of participating in disarmament, demobilization and reintegration processes.
The M23 publicist is also accused of serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, including attacks against civilians, murders, rapes, kidnappings and attacks on schools and hospitals.
Meanwhile, Rwandan Apollinaire Hakizimana, defense commissioner of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda – Forces Combattantes Abacunguzi (FDLR-FOCA), has also been sanctioned by the United Nations.
Hakizimana is accused of obstructing the disarmament and voluntary repatriation or resettlement of combatants, as well as planning, directing or committing acts in the DRC constituting human rights violations or abuses.
Michel Rukunda, known by the nickname “Makanika”, commander and military leader of the Twirwaneho armed group, is also on the UN sanctions list.
He is accused of serious crimes against humanity and flagrant violations of international humanitarian law in the context of armed conflicts in the DRC.
Ahmad Mahmood Hassan, lieutenant general and senior leader of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), is also targeted by United Nations sanctions.
He is accused of several misdeeds, including attacks on civilians, murder, mutilation, rape, kidnapping, forced displacement, attacks on schools and hospitals, as well as acting on behalf of or at the instruction of a person or entity designated by the United Nations, and being involved in the production, manufacture or use of improvised explosive devices in the DRC.
Mohamed Ali Nkalubo, head of operations for the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), is also included on the sanctions list for similar acts.
William Amuri Yakutumba, political and military leader accused of hindering the disarmament processes and recruitment of child soldiers in the DRC, as well as supporting destabilizing activities through the illicit trade of natural resources, is also subject to United Nations sanctions .
It was France, the United States and the United Kingdom who recommended the inclusion of these six new individuals on the United Nations sanctions list.
