Switzerland removes Congo rebel alliance and three commanders from sanctions list

BERN, Switzerland, Oct. 19, 2026 — The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs issued a notice removing the movement and Nangaa, Charles Sematama and Gustave Kubwayo from Annex 2 of Switzerland’s Congo sanctions ordinance. The notice identifies the applicable measures as financial sanctions and, for individuals, entry and transit restrictions. It gives no reason for the removals.

The deleted entries described Alliance Fleuve Congo as a political and military movement operating in eastern Congo in close association with the March 23 Movement, known as M23. Swiss authorities had cited the alliance’s support for armed groups and calls for the violent overthrow of the Congolese government. Nangaa was listed as its founder, leader and political coordinator. Both had been designated on Aug. 16, 2024.

Sematama, first listed on Aug. 15, 2023, was identified as a former Congolese army officer and military leader of Twirwaneho in South Kivu. His designation cited forced child recruitment and attacks against civilians. Kubwayo, listed on Aug. 16, 2024, was identified as commander of a special commando and intelligence unit within the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda’s armed wing. His designation cited responsibility for serious human rights abuses and sustaining the conflict.

The notice records four removals from Annex 2 and announces no new designations. It does not address the subjects’ status under other sanctions lists or jurisdictions. Kongo_Delta_2026-10-19