AFC/M23 demands UN clarification on sanctions against leaders

The AFC/M23 coalition has formally challenged the recent UN Security Council sanctions imposed on its leaders, demanding clarification from the United Nations.

The sanctions targeted Corneille Nangaa, the coalition’s president; Col. Nzenze Imani John, head of operations and intelligence; and Brig. Gen. Charles Sematama of the MRDP‑Twirwaneho group.

These measures include asset freezes, travel bans across UN member states, and the possibility of arrest through Interpol. In a letter to the UN Sanctions Committee, AFC/M23 rejected the decision, questioning the role of the DRC government in influencing the outcome since the sanctions were adopted during its chairmanship of the committee.

The coalition argued that such unilateral action undermines the UN’s neutrality, especially as MONUSCO continues to support monitoring mechanisms like EJVM+ for ceasefire compliance. AFC/M23 asked how the UN can remain an impartial mediator if it sanctions one side while ignoring alleged actions of the other.

They requested that their letter be officially recorded in the committee’s documents and circulated to all 15 Security Council members, ensuring it is considered in future deliberations.