The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston, the M23’s civilian spokesperson and public relations officer for the Congo River Alliance, a U.S, sanctioned coalition of rebel groups seeking to overthrow the DRC government.
According to Office of Foreign Assets Control, Kanyuka is instrumental in M23 and the Congo River Alliance’s messaging strategy, conducting media and diplomatic outreach on their behalf.
In a statement released earlier today, the US said Kanyuka owns two businesses: Kingston Fresh LTD, a food services company in the U.K., designated for being owned or controlled by Kanyuka and Kingston Holding, a mining consultancy based in Paris, France, also designated for being owned or controlled by Kanyuka. Both companies have been sanctioned.
Implications of Sanctions
As a result of these sanctions, all property and interests in property of the designated individuals and entities within the United States, or in possession or control of U.S. persons, are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. Additionally, any entities owned 50% or more by one or more blocked persons are also subject to blocking restrictions.
Unless authorized by OFAC, U.S. sanctions generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within the United States that involve designated or blocked individuals and entities. Violations may result in civil or criminal penalties for both U.S. and foreign persons. OFAC may impose civil penalties for sanctions violations on a strict liability basis.
Financial institutions and other entities risk exposure to sanctions for engaging in certain transactions with blocked persons. OFAC’s Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide further details on compliance requirements.
The strength of OFAC sanctions lies in its ability to designate and add individuals to the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List while also allowing for removals when consistent with legal and policy considerations. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not punishment but to encourage positive behavioral change.
M23: Expanding Rebellion and Regional Crisis
M23 is a Rwanda-backed armed group that occupies portions of North and South Kivu provinces. Originally formed in 2012, M23 was defeated in 2013 by the Congolese military with assistance from the UN Force Intervention Brigade but re-emerged in late 2021 with RDF support. Over the years, M23 has committed numerous human rights abuses, including killings, attacks on civilians, and sexual violence.
M23’s actions have led to mass displacement of Congolese civilians, the capture of Goma and Bukavu, and the seizure of Rubaya, one of the world’s largest mining areas for critical minerals. On July 8, 2024, the U.S. State Department issued a statement highlighting the role of mineral supply chains in fueling instability in eastern DRC.
OFAC designated M23 on January 3, 2013 for committing serious violations of international law involving the targeting of children in armed conflict in the DRC. These violations include killing and maiming civilians, sexual violence, abduction, forced displacement, and receiving arms, financial assistance, or military equipment.
