US steps up sanctions on Congo officials, Europe joins in
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The United States on Monday imposed sanctions on members of Joseph Kabila's inner circle for the first time, a week before the Congolese president's mandate expires, to try to force the government to agree a compromise with opposition leaders.
Earlier on Monday, the European Union imposed travel bans and asset freezes—its first—on seven security officials it says have violated human rights and helped disrupt elections. International powers fear that Kabila's refusal to leave power on Dec. 19, as required by the constitution, could lead to widespread violence after anti-government protests in September, in which about 50 people were killed by security forces.
The US sanctions place interior minister Evariste Boshab and the head of the country's intelligence service (ANR), Kalev Mutondo, on a list of "specially designated nationals".
