US adds 2 more Congolese officials to sanctions list

KINSHASA, Congo – U.S. authorities say they have added two more Congolese officials to a sanctions list as tensions mount over politics in the enormous African country.

The latest individuals named Monday are Congolese Interior Minister Evariste Boshab and Kalev Mutond, who is director of Congo’s National Intelligence Agency.

Human rights activists with the Enough Project said the agency is known for “calculated intimidation tactics against civilians” including arbitrary arrests and disappearances.

The latest additions bring the total number of Congolese officials targeted this year to five. All are viewed as allies of President Joseph Kabila.

Kabila is barred from seeking another term but is allowed to remain in power until another election can be held. The vote once scheduled for last month is now being proposed for April 2018.

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