WASHINGTON—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement regarding the announcement by the Department of the Treasury of new sanctions against current and former government officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC):

“The Administration is doing the right thing by imposing new sanctions against Major General Gabriel Amisi Kumba and General John Numbi for undermining political stability in the DRC. I was deeply troubled by the outbreak of violence in Kinshasa earlier this month, during which Congolese security forces fired live ammunition at protesters.

“President Kabila’s term is quickly coming to an end, and I worry that more violence may erupt if he ignores his country’s constitution and clings to power. The Congolese people have the right to choose Mr. Kabila’s successor, and they deserve the stability of a peaceful democratic transition.”

Background:

Representative Engel cosponsored H.Res.780, which requests that the United States impose sanctions on core government and opposition officials who undermine democracy or progress toward a peaceful democratic transition.  The resolution specifically calls for lifting sanctions contingent upon President Kabila ending his term in December, and urges the U.S. government to support civil society to monitor efforts seeking to undermine democracy and rule of law.

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