29/05/2017 (Agence Europe) – The Council of the EU decided, without debate, on Monday 29 May, to adopt sanctions against nine further people who hold positions of responsibility in the state administration and in the chain of command of the security forces in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The sanctions, for violence or impeding the transition, come into effect immediately. In December 2016, sanctions were imposed on seven DRC nationals (see EUROPE 11687). The Council conclusions state that the “European Union remains seriously concerned by the deterioration of the situation”. The EU, condemning all acts of violence irrespective of their origin, says that the crisis in Kasai Province “has reached an exceptional level in security and humanitarian terms and as regards human rights”, and expresses concern at reports of disproportionate use of force by state bodies in managing the crisis, the continuing restrictions on fundamental rights and the lack of a consensus to take forward the transition. (AN)