Swiss perspectives in 10 languages

Swiss freeze assets in new DRC sanctions

soldiers and motorists
“As the political situation in the DRC remains very tense, the Federal Council decided to extend these sanctions” say the Swiss authorities. Here in Goma, a soldier warns the photographer not to take photos. Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Following the lead of the European Union, Switzerland has extended its sanctions against the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). 

The measures, which took effect on Wednesday evening, include financial sanctions against 14 people – who are also banned from entering Switzerland.

+ Switzerland recently extended the freeze of assets belonging to the former presidents of Tunisia and Ukraine

The sanctions affect various incumbent and former DRC ministers and provincial governors, as well as high-ranking members of the Republican Guard, the Congolese military, the police and intelligence services. The 14 individuals are accused of hindering elections in the DRC through acts of violence, repression, incitement to violence and violation of the rule of law. They are also accused of serious human rights violations. 

Their Swiss-based funds and other assets have been frozen. In addition, they may no longer enter Switzerland or travel through Switzerland. 

In order to implement UN Security Council resolutions, the Swiss government already adopted sanctions against the DRC in June 2005. These included an arms embargo and financial and travel sanctions against the political and military leaders of foreign armed groups and Congolese militias, as well as against weapon smugglers. 

“As the political situation in the DRC remains very tense, the Federal Council decided to extend these sanctions in line with the EU,” noted a government media statementExternal link on Wednesday.

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here. Please join us!

If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR