By : Staff In Sweden | London, 12 November 2026| East African Report
The United Kingdom has updated its sanctions list for individuals and groups accused of undermining se the Democratic Republic of Congo, adding the name Front pour la Refondation de la Nation, FRN, to the listings for the Alliance Fleuve Congo, AFC.
The update was announced on Thursday, 12 November 2026, by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
However, the UK did not announce new, separate sanctions against FRN. Instead, it added the FRN name to the existing list of names for the AFC, which is already subject to sanctions including an asset freeze.
The AFC was added to the list on 17 July 2026, on the basis of United Nations sanctions.
According to the sanctions notice, the AFC is accused of obstructing programmes to disarm M23 fighters, demobilise them, and reintegrate them into civilian life.
The alliance is also accused of supporting M23 and of involvement in activities that undermine security in eastern Congo, including the exploitation of natural resources, particularly coltan.
The sanctions require that funds and other assets belonging to the group be frozen wherever UK sanctions law applies.
Persons and financial institutions subject to those laws are prohibited from providing funds or other assets to the group, unless authorised under the law.
The update raises questions about the relationship between the AFC and FRN, particularly amid reports of FRN activities in fighting in eastern Congo.
However, the UK statement does not explain why the FRN name was added to the AFC’s list of names, or whether the two groups share the same leadership.
As it stands, what is known is that the UK has updated the existing sanctions list for the AFC, rather than announcing new, separate sanctions against FRN.
East African Report
