Washington (September 28, 2016) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee’s Africa and Global Health Policy Subcommittee, released the following statement today after the Obama administration announced targeted sanctions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a measure that Senator Markey has advocated since February.

“I welcome the administration’s decision to impose sanctions today against Major General Gabriel Amisi Kumba, who is responsible for use of excessive force to repress demonstrations and political rallies, and General John Numbi, the former National Inspector for the Congolese National Police who used violent intimidation to secure victories for candidates affiliated with President Kabila’s coalition during gubernatorial elections in March 2016. While the sanctions announced today are against only two officials of the DRC government, they send a clear message that the United States will not turn a blind eye to human rights violations, attempts to silence political dissent, or efforts to undermine DRC’s young democracy.

“President Kabila is prohibited by the DRC constitution from running for an additional term.  It is far past time for President Kabila to publicly announce that he intends to step down from the presidency and will not run for an additional term. The government must also publicly set and implement a firm schedule to hold the presidential election, to stop using violence to suppress political activity, and to withdraw criminal warrants and charges that prevent opposition and civil society members from participating in the political processes and dialogue in the DRC. 

“If President Kabila and the DRC government fail to take action required to hold free and fair elections, I strongly urge President Obama to impose additional targeted sanctions on individuals or entities responsible for violence and human rights violations and for undermining democratic processes in the DRC.”

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