DRC politicians at risk of fresh EU sanctions over stalled political deal

The European Union has criticised the current political stagnation in the DRC and warned it could impose more sanctions if a deal reached last year is not honoured.

During a meeting in Brussels on Monday, the 28 European Ministers of Foreign Affairs threatened to punish Congolese political actors who would impede the solving of the current political situation in the country.

The EU has also warned forces of order for their alleged persistent violence on civilians.

DRC authorities are currently investigating a video that appears to show Congolese troops shooting a a group of apparent militia members armed with slingshots and wooden batons

Last December, 7 senior officials of the security apparatus of the DRC, held responsible for violence which left 50 people dead in September 2016 were sanctioned on individual basis by the European Union.

Clashes have been rampant in the provinces of Kassai and the Kongo Central.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been in a deadlock since President Joseph Kabila’s decision to stay in power after the end of his second and last mandate in December 2016. The agreement to solve the crisis spearheaded by Congolese Bishops was signed on December the 31, 2016.