In accordance with paragraph 2 (g) of the Guidelines for the conduct of its work, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004) concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo makes accessible a narrative summary of reasons for the listing for individuals, groups, undertakings and entities included in its sanctions list.
Sultani Makenga was listed on 13 November 2012 pursuant to the criteria set out in paragraph 4 of resolution 1857 (2008).
“Sultani Makenga is a military leader of the Mouvement du 23 Mars (M23) group operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). As a leader of M23 (also known as the Congolese Revolutionary Army), Sultani Makenga has committed and is responsible for serious violations of international law involving the targeting of women and children in situations of armed conflict, including killing and maiming, sexual violence, abduction, and forced displacement. He has also been responsible for violations of international law related to M23’s actions in recruiting or using children in armed conflict in the DRC. Under the command of Sultani Makenga, M23 has carried out extensive atrocities against the civilian population of the DRC. According to testimonies and reports, the militants operating under the command of Sultani Makenga have conducted rapes throughout Rutshuru territory against women and children, some of whom have been as young as 8 years old, as part of a policy to consolidate control in Rutshuru territory. Under Makenga’s command, M23 has conducted extensive forced recruitment campaigns of children in the DRC and in the region, as well as killing, maiming, and injuring scores of children. Many of the forced child recruits have been under the age of 15. Makenga has also been reported to be the recipient of arms and related materiel in violation of measures taken by the DRC to implement the arms embargo, including domestic ordinances on the importing and possession of arms and related materiel. Makenga’s actions as the leader of M23 have included serious violations of international law and atrocities against the civilian population of the DRC, and have aggravated the conditions of insecurity, displacement, and conflict in the region. A military leader of the Mouvement du 23 Mars (M23) group operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”