(1)

On 20 December 2010, the Council adopted Decision 2010/788/CFSP (1), concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

(2)

On 12 December 2016, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2016/2231 (2) in response to the obstruction of the electoral process and to human rights violations in the DRC. Decision (CFSP) 2016/2231 amended Decision 2010/788/CFSP and introduced additional restrictive measures in Article 3(2) of Decision 2010/788/CFSP.

(3)

On 7 July 2023, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy issued a statement on behalf of the Union on the situation in the DRC, expressing grave concern over the worsening security and humanitarian situation and outrage over the levels of violence and atrocities that continue to be perpetrated against civilians by non-governmental armed groups.

(4)

In view of the gravity of the situation in the DRC, the Council considers that the designation criterion in Article 3(2), point (d), of Decision 2010/788/CFSP should be amended to allow for the application of targeted restrictive measures against natural or legal persons, entities or bodies that provide support to any natural or legal person, entity or body responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability or insecurity in the DRC.

(5)

Decision 2010/788/CFSP should therefore be amended accordingly.

(6)

Further action by the Union is necessary to implement certain measures in this Decision,

‘(d)

providing support to natural or legal persons, entities or bodies responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability or insecurity in the DRC;’.