The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has renewed the sanctions regime imposed on the Democratic Republic of Congo and extended it until 1 August 2023. The renewal was a result of the deteriorating security situation in the country mainly owed to the rebel attacks in the eastern region as well as the growing threat and presence of the Islamic State Central Province.
The resolution was adopted by a vote of 10 in favor to none against with 5 abstentions (China, Russian Federation, Ghana, Gabon, and Kenya).
The sanctions imposed are related to an arms embargo, travel ban, and asset freeze and dictate measures that will require all States to refrain from, among other things, providing weapons to non-governmental entities operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
While the sanctions were voted to be upheld, objections were raised where Ghana who refrained from voting said that the current notification requirement continues to impede the capacity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to limit armed groups, as well as improve its ability to safeguard its internal security.
The current security situation in DRC has been worsening the recent months as rebel groups continue to take up arms and attack civilians, especially in North Kivu and Ituri provinces. The East Africa Community (EAC) is slated to deploy Kenyan-led military troops with the sole purpose of eradicating the rebel groups as well as the ISCAP jihadists that have been exploiting the dire crisis-ridden region.
