EU adds armed group, two militia leaders to Congo sanctions list

BRUSSELS, July 28, 2026 — The European Union expanded its Democratic Republic of the Congo sanctions list to cover two militia leaders and one armed group linked to conduct threatening peace, stability and security.

Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1880 took effect upon publication in the Official Journal on July 28 and is directly applicable across EU member states. It implements part of a July 14 decision by the U.N. Security Council committee overseeing sanctions related to the DRC.

The individuals are Sebastien Uwimbabazi, a brigadier general and leader of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, and Muhammed Lumisa, a commander, doctor and head of external logistics for the Allied Democratic Forces. Uwimbabazi has engaged in or supported acts that undermine security in the DRC, while Lumisa is involved in planning and supporting ADF activities and oversees its external logistics.

The EU also listed Twirwaneho, a Congolese armed group based in South Kivu’s Hauts Plateaux. The group has been involved in atrocities in South Kivu, including killing civilians and recruiting children, as well as activities threatening peace and security.

The U.N. committee added six people and two entities to its list July 14, while the EU measure incorporates two of those individuals and one entity. The regulation does not explain the narrower scope.

For compliance screening, the additions bring multiple aliases and identifying details into the EU list, including nationality, birth information and locations. Those data points may affect name matching and sanctions-list maintenance.