Military

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has imposed sanctions on Ugandan ADF-NALU rebels who are active in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The sanctions, initiated by Britain, France and the United States include a freeze on assets and a travel ban.

Members of ADF-NALU rebel group are accused of recruiting child soldiers, sexual abuse of women and children, and taking part in attacks against the UN peacekeeping mission in Congo, known as MONUSCO.

Several armed groups, including the powerful March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group, are active in the east of the DRC, fighting for control of the country's vast mineral resources, such as gold.

In November last year, the Congolese government claimed "total victory" over the M23 after capturing the group's remaining hilltop positions in the eastern city of Goma with the assistance of the UN.

After the M23 defeat, the Congolese army and the UN have now set their sights on the ADF-NALU, which is based in western Uganda with rear bases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

ADF-NALU rebels have stepped up attacks in the chaotic central African region this year, and have been identified by MONUSCO as one of the main obstacles to peace in the country.

There are fears that the violence could undermine international efforts to bring stability to the DRC's eastern regions after years of bloody conflict.

According to a UN report, the ADF-NALU is believed to comprise up to 1,400 fighters and has abducted about 300 Congolese civilians over the past year.

Congo has faced numerous problems over the past few decades, such as grinding poverty, crumbling infrastructure, and a war in the east of the country that has dragged on since 1998 and left over 5.5 million people dead.

MOS/AB