# Official Journal L 190I/2023

| | ISSN 1977-0677 |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | L 190I |
| | |
| English edition | Legislation | Volume 6628 July 2023 |

ISSN 1977-0677

Official Journal

of the European Union

L 190I

English edition

Legislation

Volume 6628 July 2023

---

| Contents | | II   Non-legislative acts | page |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | REGULATIONS |
| | * | Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1563 of 28 July 2023 implementing Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine | 1 |
| | * | Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1564 of 28 July 2023 implementing Regulation (EC) No 1183/2005 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo | 9 |
| | * | Council Regulation (EU) 2023/1565 of 28 July 2023 amending Regulation (EC) No 1183/2005 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo | 19 |
| | | DECISIONS |
| | * | Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/1566 of 28 July 2023 amending Decision 2014/145/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine | 21 |
| | * | Council Implementing Decision (CFSP) 2023/1567 of 28 July 2023 implementing Decision 2010/788/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo | 28 |
| | * | Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/1568 of 28 July 2023 amending Decision 2010/788/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo | 37 |

Contents

II   Non-legislative acts

page

REGULATIONS

*

Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1563 of 28 July 2023 implementing Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine

1

*

Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1564 of 28 July 2023 implementing Regulation (EC) No 1183/2005 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

9

*

Council Regulation (EU) 2023/1565 of 28 July 2023 amending Regulation (EC) No 1183/2005 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

19

DECISIONS

*

Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/1566 of 28 July 2023 amending Decision 2014/145/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine

21

*

Council Implementing Decision (CFSP) 2023/1567 of 28 July 2023 implementing Decision 2010/788/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

28

*

Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/1568 of 28 July 2023 amending Decision 2010/788/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

37

| EN | Acts whose titles are printed in light type are those relating to day-to-day management of agricultural matters, and are generally valid for a limited period.
  The titles of all other Acts are printed in bold type and preceded by an asterisk. |
| --- | --- |

EN

Acts whose titles are printed in light type are those relating to day-to-day management of agricultural matters, and are generally valid for a limited period.

The titles of all other Acts are printed in bold type and preceded by an asterisk.

---

II Non-legislative acts

REGULATIONS

| 28.7.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | LI 190/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

28.7.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

LI 190/1

---

COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2023/1563

of 28 July 2023

implementing Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 of 17 March 2014 concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine (1), and in particular Article 14(1) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,

Whereas:

| (1) | On 17 March 2014, the Council adopted Regulation (EU) No 269/2014. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

On 17 March 2014, the Council adopted Regulation (EU) No 269/2014.

| (2) | The Union remains unwavering in its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The Union remains unwavering in its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

| (3) | In its conclusions of 23 March 2023, the European Council reiterated the Union’s resolute condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a manifest violation of the United Nations Charter. The European Council also reiterated that the Union remains committed to maintaining and increasing collective pressure on Russia, including through possible further restrictive measures. The European Council also stated that the Union will intensify its work with partners to counter false Russian narratives and disinformation about the war. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

In its conclusions of 23 March 2023, the European Council reiterated the Union’s resolute condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a manifest violation of the United Nations Charter. The European Council also reiterated that the Union remains committed to maintaining and increasing collective pressure on Russia, including through possible further restrictive measures. The European Council also stated that the Union will intensify its work with partners to counter false Russian narratives and disinformation about the war.

| (4) | In the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, Russian actors have conducted a digital information manipulation campaign named ‘RRN’ (Recent Reliable News) aiming at manipulating information and disseminating propaganda in support of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. That campaign, in which government bodies or bodies affiliated to the Russian State have participated, relies on fake web pages usurping the identity of national media outlets and government websites as well as fake accounts on social media. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

In the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, Russian actors have conducted a digital information manipulation campaign named ‘RRN’ (Recent Reliable News) aiming at manipulating information and disseminating propaganda in support of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. That campaign, in which government bodies or bodies affiliated to the Russian State have participated, relies on fake web pages usurping the identity of national media outlets and government websites as well as fake accounts on social media.

| (5) | In view of the gravity of the situation, the Council considers that seven persons and five entities responsible for actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine should be added to the list of natural and legal persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures set out in Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 269/2014. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

In view of the gravity of the situation, the Council considers that seven persons and five entities responsible for actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine should be added to the list of natural and legal persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures set out in Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 269/2014.

| (6) | Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 should therefore be amended accordingly, |
| --- | --- |

(6)

Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 should therefore be amended accordingly,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 is amended in accordance with the Annex to this Regulation.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 28 July 2023.

For the Council

The President

P. NAVARRO RÍOS

---

(1)  
  OJ L 78, 17.3.2014, p. 6.

1

---

ANNEX

The following persons and entities are added to the list of natural and legal persons, entities and bodies set out in Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 269/2014:

| | Persons | Name | Identifying information | Statement of Reasons | Date of listing |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| ‘1578. | Timofey Vladimirovitch VASSILIEV
  Тимофей Bладимирович ВАСИЛЬЕВ
  A.k.a. Timofey VI
  Тимофей ВИ | Function: Head of the Department for strategic guidance of ANO Dialog
  POB: Moscow, Russian Federation
  Nationality: Russian
  Gender: male | Timofey Vassiliev is the Head of the Department for strategic guidance of ANO Dialog, a Russian non-profit organisation created by the Moscow Department of Information and Technology (DIT) in 2019 and linked to the presidential administration, which has been disseminating online propaganda about the illegally annexed territories in Ukraine. Timofey Vassiliev, runs the popular “fact-checking” Telegram account and subsequent domains “War on Fakes” which spread disinformation about the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Therefore, Timofey Vassiliev is responsible for supporting and implementing actions and policies which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. | 28.7.2023 |
| 1579. | Ilya Andreïevitch GAMBACHIDZE
  Илья Андреевич ГАМБАЧИДЗЕ | Function: Founder of Structura National Technologies and Social Design Agency
  Nationality: Russian
  Gender: male | Ilya Gambachidze is the founder of Structura National Technologies and Social Design Agency, two Russian entities involved in the Russian-led digital disinformation campaign “RRN” (Recent Reliable News) aiming at manipulating information and sharing disinformation in support of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Ilya Gambachidze formerly worked as a counsellor to the Vice-President of the Duma, Piotr Tolstoi. Structura National Technologies and Social Design Agency has been identified as the key actor of the campaign, responsible for the creation of fake websites impersonating government organisations and legitimate media in Europe (primarily Germany, France, Italy, Ukraine and the United Kingdom) and for boosting the pro-Russian “RRN” campaign on social media. Therefore, Ilya Gambachidze is responsible for supporting and implementing actions and policies which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. | 28.7.2023 |
| 1580. | Aleksandr Gennad’yevich STARUNSKY
  Александр Геннадьевич СТАРУНСКИЙ | Function: Founder of the Institute of the Russian Diaspora
  DOB: 12.6.1970
  Gender: male
  TIN: 771989171763 | Aleksandr Starunsky is a Russian military intelligence officer and former commander of GRU PsyOps unit 54777. He is a founder of the Institute of the Russian Diaspora, a GRU front organisation and an integral part of the media organisation Inforos. The Institute of the Russian Diaspora owns an online media presence called russkie.org which disseminates Russian disinformation and propaganda about the war of aggression against Ukraine. Therefore, Aleksandr Starunsky is responsible for supporting and implementing actions and policies which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. | 28.7.2023 |
| 1581. | Anastasia Sergeevna KIRILLOVA
  Анастасия Сергеевна КИРИЛЛОВА | Function: General Director of Inforos
  DOB: 13.12.1986
  Gender: female
  TIN: 771674318370 | Anastasia Kirillova is a founder and General Director of Inforos, an online news agency responsible for setting up more than 270 media proxy online news outlets that disseminate propaganda in support of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. It is a front organisation for Unit 54777 of the Russian military intelligence service GRU, responsible for psychological operations. Therefore, Anastasia Kirillova is responsible for supporting and implementing actions and polices which undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. | 28.7.2023 |
| 1582. | Nina Viktorovna DOROKHOVA
  Нина Викторовна ДОРОХОВА | Function: General Director of Inforos
  DOB: 20.11.1965
  Gender: female
  TIN: 505202442068 | Nina Dorokhova is a founder and General Director of Inforos, an online news agency responsible for setting up more than 270 media proxy online news outlets that disseminate propaganda in support of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. It is a front organisation for Unit 54777 of the Russian military intelligence service GRU, responsible for psychological operations. Therefore, Nina Dorokhova is responsible for supporting and implementing actions and policies which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. | 28.7.2023 |
| 1583. | Sergey Yurievich PANTELEYEV
  a.k.a. PANTELEEV
  Сергей Юрьевич ПАНТЕЛЕЕВ | Function: Intelligence officer in GRU unit 54777
  DOB: 15.3.1972
  POB: Lugansk, Ukraine
  Gender: male
  TIN: 772916129659 | Sergey Panteleyev is a member of GRU unit 54777 and founder of the Institute of the Russian Diaspora, a GRU front organisation and an integral part of Inforos’s online disinformation network. The Institute of the Russian Diaspora owns an online media presence called russkie.org which disseminates Russian disinformation and propaganda about the war of aggression against Ukraine. Therefore, Sergey Panteleyev is responsible for supporting and implementing actions and policies which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. | 28.7.2023 |
| 1584. | Denis Valerievich TYURIN
  Денис Валерьевич ТЮРИН | Function: GRU officer
  DOB: 1.4.1976
  POB: Moscow
  Gender: male
  TIN: 772807385405 | Denis Tyurin is a GRU intelligence officer and founder of Inforos, an online news agency responsible for setting up more than 270 media proxy online news outlets that disseminate propaganda in support of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. It is a front organisation for Unit 54777 of the Russian military intelligence service GRU, responsible for psychological operations. Therefore, Denis Tyurin is responsible for supporting and implementing actions and policies which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. | 28.7.2023’ |

Persons

Name

Identifying information

Statement of Reasons

Date of listing

‘1578.

Timofey Vladimirovitch VASSILIEV

Тимофей Bладимирович ВАСИЛЬЕВ

A.k.a. Timofey VI

Тимофей ВИ

Function: Head of the Department for strategic guidance of ANO Dialog

POB: Moscow, Russian Federation

Nationality: Russian

Gender: male

Timofey Vassiliev is the Head of the Department for strategic guidance of ANO Dialog, a Russian non-profit organisation created by the Moscow Department of Information and Technology (DIT) in 2019 and linked to the presidential administration, which has been disseminating online propaganda about the illegally annexed territories in Ukraine. Timofey Vassiliev, runs the popular “fact-checking” Telegram account and subsequent domains “War on Fakes” which spread disinformation about the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Therefore, Timofey Vassiliev is responsible for supporting and implementing actions and policies which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

28.7.2023

1579.

Ilya Andreïevitch GAMBACHIDZE

Илья Андреевич ГАМБАЧИДЗЕ

Function: Founder of Structura National Technologies and Social Design Agency

Nationality: Russian

Gender: male

Ilya Gambachidze is the founder of Structura National Technologies and Social Design Agency, two Russian entities involved in the Russian-led digital disinformation campaign “RRN” (Recent Reliable News) aiming at manipulating information and sharing disinformation in support of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Ilya Gambachidze formerly worked as a counsellor to the Vice-President of the Duma, Piotr Tolstoi. Structura National Technologies and Social Design Agency has been identified as the key actor of the campaign, responsible for the creation of fake websites impersonating government organisations and legitimate media in Europe (primarily Germany, France, Italy, Ukraine and the United Kingdom) and for boosting the pro-Russian “RRN” campaign on social media. Therefore, Ilya Gambachidze is responsible for supporting and implementing actions and policies which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

28.7.2023

1580.

Aleksandr Gennad’yevich STARUNSKY

Александр Геннадьевич СТАРУНСКИЙ

Function: Founder of the Institute of the Russian Diaspora

DOB: 12.6.1970

Gender: male

TIN: 771989171763

Aleksandr Starunsky is a Russian military intelligence officer and former commander of GRU PsyOps unit 54777. He is a founder of the Institute of the Russian Diaspora, a GRU front organisation and an integral part of the media organisation Inforos. The Institute of the Russian Diaspora owns an online media presence called russkie.org which disseminates Russian disinformation and propaganda about the war of aggression against Ukraine. Therefore, Aleksandr Starunsky is responsible for supporting and implementing actions and policies which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

28.7.2023

1581.

Anastasia Sergeevna KIRILLOVA

Анастасия Сергеевна КИРИЛЛОВА

Function: General Director of Inforos

DOB: 13.12.1986

Gender: female

TIN: 771674318370

Anastasia Kirillova is a founder and General Director of Inforos, an online news agency responsible for setting up more than 270 media proxy online news outlets that disseminate propaganda in support of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. It is a front organisation for Unit 54777 of the Russian military intelligence service GRU, responsible for psychological operations. Therefore, Anastasia Kirillova is responsible for supporting and implementing actions and polices which undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

28.7.2023

1582.

Nina Viktorovna DOROKHOVA

Нина Викторовна ДОРОХОВА

Function: General Director of Inforos

DOB: 20.11.1965

Gender: female

TIN: 505202442068

Nina Dorokhova is a founder and General Director of Inforos, an online news agency responsible for setting up more than 270 media proxy online news outlets that disseminate propaganda in support of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. It is a front organisation for Unit 54777 of the Russian military intelligence service GRU, responsible for psychological operations. Therefore, Nina Dorokhova is responsible for supporting and implementing actions and policies which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

28.7.2023

1583.

Sergey Yurievich PANTELEYEV

a.k.a. PANTELEEV

Сергей Юрьевич ПАНТЕЛЕЕВ

Function: Intelligence officer in GRU unit 54777

DOB: 15.3.1972

POB: Lugansk, Ukraine

Gender: male

TIN: 772916129659

Sergey Panteleyev is a member of GRU unit 54777 and founder of the Institute of the Russian Diaspora, a GRU front organisation and an integral part of Inforos’s online disinformation network. The Institute of the Russian Diaspora owns an online media presence called russkie.org which disseminates Russian disinformation and propaganda about the war of aggression against Ukraine. Therefore, Sergey Panteleyev is responsible for supporting and implementing actions and policies which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

28.7.2023

1584.

Denis Valerievich TYURIN

Денис Валерьевич ТЮРИН

Function: GRU officer

DOB: 1.4.1976

POB: Moscow

Gender: male

TIN: 772807385405

Denis Tyurin is a GRU intelligence officer and founder of Inforos, an online news agency responsible for setting up more than 270 media proxy online news outlets that disseminate propaganda in support of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. It is a front organisation for Unit 54777 of the Russian military intelligence service GRU, responsible for psychological operations. Therefore, Denis Tyurin is responsible for supporting and implementing actions and policies which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

28.7.2023’

| | Entities | Name | Identifying information | Reasons | Date of listing |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| ‘245. | Social Design Agency
  a.k.a.
  “Agentsvo Sotsialnogo Proektirovania aka ASP” | Address: Moscow Bolshoy Kislovsky per, 1, building 2
  Type of entity: Technology and Information Company
  Place of registration: Russia
  Date of registration: established 2001
  Principal place of business: Russia | Social Design Agency is a Russian IT company closely linked to Russian political power. Since 2022, it has been involved in the Russian-led digital disinformation campaign “RRN” (Recent Reliable News) aiming at manipulating information and sharing disinformation in support of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Social Design Agency has been identified as a key actor of the campaign, responsible for the creation of fake websites impersonating government organisations and legitimate media in Europe (primarily Germany, France, Italy, Ukraine and the United Kingdom) and for boosting the pro-Russian “RRN” campaign on social media. Therefore, Social Design Agency is materially supporting actions which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. | 28.7.2023 |
| 246. | Structura National Technologies
  a.k.a.
  “Struktura”
  Russian:
  ООО “ГК СТРУКТУРА” | Address: Moscow municipal district Arbat per Bolshoy Kislovskii 1 building 2 premises/room. i/42
  Type of entity: Technology and Information Company.
  Place of registration: Russia
  Date of registration: established 2009
  Registration number: TIN 7703438908
  Principal place of business: Russia | Structura National Technologies is a Russian IT company closely linked to Russian political power. Since 2022, it has been involved in the Russian-led digital disinformation campaign “RRN” (Recent Reliable News) aiming at manipulating information and sharing disinformation in support of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Structura National Technologies has been identified as a key actor of the campaign, responsible for the creation of fake websites impersonating government organisations and legitimate media in Europe (primarily Germany, France, Italy, Ukraine and the United Kingdom) and for boosting the pro-Russian “RRN” campaign on social media. Therefore, Structura National Technologies is materially supporting actions which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. | 28.7.2023 |
| 247. | ANO Dialog
  AHO Диалог | Address:119021, st. Timura Frunze, d.11, p.1, BC Demidov, Moscow
  Type of entity: Autonomous non-profit organisation
  Place of registration: Russia
  Date of registration: 2019
  Registration number: TIN 9709056472
  Principal place of business: Russia | ANO Dialog is a Russian non-profit organisation created by the Moscow Department of Information and Technology (DIT) in 2019 and closely linked to the presidential administration. It is headed by Alexey Goreslavsky, former deputy head of the President's Department for Public Projects (OPS). ANO Dialog has been disseminating online propaganda about the illegally annexed territories in Ukraine. ANO Dialog provides instructions to the Readovka Telegram channel that publishes disinformation about the war of aggression against Ukraine in support of the Kremlin’s propaganda. ANO Dialog is linked to the popular “fact-checking” Telegram account and subsequent domains “War on Fakes”, run by ANO’s Head of Strategic Areas Development of ANO Dialog, Timofey Vasiliev, that disseminates fake news and propaganda about the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Therefore, ANO Dialog is materially supporting actions which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. | 28.7.2023 |
| 248. | Inforos OOO IA
  ООО ИА ИНФОРОС | Address: 117218, MOSCOW, Intracity territory of the city of federal significance municipal district academic, 13 Krzhizhanovskogo str., k. 2, office 511
  Type of entity: Media organisation
  Place of registration: Moscow
  Date of registration: 2/6/2003
  TIN: 7727214569
  Principal place of business: Moscow | Inforos is an online news agency responsible for setting up more than 270 media proxy online news outlets that disseminate propaganda in support of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. It is a front organisation for Unit 54777 of the Russian military intelligence service GRU, responsible for psychological operations.
  The propaganda disseminated by Inforos and its various proxy outlets aims to propagate the idea of Ukraine as a “Nazi state” and to falsely paint the war of Russian aggression as a “proxy war” of “the west” against Russia and thus to undermine western support for Ukraine. Therefore, Inforos is materially supporting actions which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. | 28.7.2023 |
| 249. | Institute of the Russian Diaspora
  ИНСТИТУТ РУССКОГО ЗАРУБЕЖЬЯ | Address: 117218, MOSCOW CITY, str. Krzhizhanovskoy, d.13, str.2
  Type of entity: “Advising on commercial activities and management”
  Place of registration: Moscow
  Date of registration: 3/11/2005
  Registration number: TIN: 7727536630
  Principal place of business: Moscow | The Institute of the Russian Diaspora is a GRU front organisation and an integral part of Inforos’s online disinformation network. It was co-founded by Inforos-founder Denis Tyurin. Additionally, Denis Tyurin has registered the official propaganda website of the Institute himself, using an official Inforos email address. The Institute owns an online media presence called russkie.org which disseminates Russian disinformation and propaganda about the war of aggression against Ukraine. Therefore, the Institute of the Russian diaspora is materially supporting actions and policies which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. | 28.7.2023’ |

Entities

Name

Identifying information

Reasons

Date of listing

‘245.

Social Design Agency

a.k.a.

“Agentsvo Sotsialnogo Proektirovania aka ASP”

Address: Moscow Bolshoy Kislovsky per, 1, building 2

Type of entity: Technology and Information Company

Place of registration: Russia

Date of registration: established 2001

Principal place of business: Russia

Social Design Agency is a Russian IT company closely linked to Russian political power. Since 2022, it has been involved in the Russian-led digital disinformation campaign “RRN” (Recent Reliable News) aiming at manipulating information and sharing disinformation in support of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Social Design Agency has been identified as a key actor of the campaign, responsible for the creation of fake websites impersonating government organisations and legitimate media in Europe (primarily Germany, France, Italy, Ukraine and the United Kingdom) and for boosting the pro-Russian “RRN” campaign on social media. Therefore, Social Design Agency is materially supporting actions which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

28.7.2023

246.

Structura National Technologies

a.k.a.

“Struktura”

Russian:

ООО “ГК СТРУКТУРА”

Address: Moscow municipal district Arbat per Bolshoy Kislovskii 1 building 2 premises/room. i/42

Type of entity: Technology and Information Company.

Place of registration: Russia

Date of registration: established 2009

Registration number: TIN 7703438908

Principal place of business: Russia

Structura National Technologies is a Russian IT company closely linked to Russian political power. Since 2022, it has been involved in the Russian-led digital disinformation campaign “RRN” (Recent Reliable News) aiming at manipulating information and sharing disinformation in support of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Structura National Technologies has been identified as a key actor of the campaign, responsible for the creation of fake websites impersonating government organisations and legitimate media in Europe (primarily Germany, France, Italy, Ukraine and the United Kingdom) and for boosting the pro-Russian “RRN” campaign on social media. Therefore, Structura National Technologies is materially supporting actions which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

28.7.2023

247.

ANO Dialog

AHO Диалог

Address:119021, st. Timura Frunze, d.11, p.1, BC Demidov, Moscow

Type of entity: Autonomous non-profit organisation

Place of registration: Russia

Date of registration: 2019

Registration number: TIN 9709056472

Principal place of business: Russia

ANO Dialog is a Russian non-profit organisation created by the Moscow Department of Information and Technology (DIT) in 2019 and closely linked to the presidential administration. It is headed by Alexey Goreslavsky, former deputy head of the President's Department for Public Projects (OPS). ANO Dialog has been disseminating online propaganda about the illegally annexed territories in Ukraine. ANO Dialog provides instructions to the Readovka Telegram channel that publishes disinformation about the war of aggression against Ukraine in support of the Kremlin’s propaganda. ANO Dialog is linked to the popular “fact-checking” Telegram account and subsequent domains “War on Fakes”, run by ANO’s Head of Strategic Areas Development of ANO Dialog, Timofey Vasiliev, that disseminates fake news and propaganda about the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Therefore, ANO Dialog is materially supporting actions which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

28.7.2023

248.

Inforos OOO IA

ООО ИА ИНФОРОС

Address: 117218, MOSCOW, Intracity territory of the city of federal significance municipal district academic, 13 Krzhizhanovskogo str., k. 2, office 511

Type of entity: Media organisation

Place of registration: Moscow

Date of registration: 2/6/2003

TIN: 7727214569

Principal place of business: Moscow

Inforos is an online news agency responsible for setting up more than 270 media proxy online news outlets that disseminate propaganda in support of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. It is a front organisation for Unit 54777 of the Russian military intelligence service GRU, responsible for psychological operations.

The propaganda disseminated by Inforos and its various proxy outlets aims to propagate the idea of Ukraine as a “Nazi state” and to falsely paint the war of Russian aggression as a “proxy war” of “the west” against Russia and thus to undermine western support for Ukraine. Therefore, Inforos is materially supporting actions which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

28.7.2023

249.

Institute of the Russian Diaspora

ИНСТИТУТ РУССКОГО ЗАРУБЕЖЬЯ

Address: 117218, MOSCOW CITY, str. Krzhizhanovskoy, d.13, str.2

Type of entity: “Advising on commercial activities and management”

Place of registration: Moscow

Date of registration: 3/11/2005

Registration number: TIN: 7727536630

Principal place of business: Moscow

The Institute of the Russian Diaspora is a GRU front organisation and an integral part of Inforos’s online disinformation network. It was co-founded by Inforos-founder Denis Tyurin. Additionally, Denis Tyurin has registered the official propaganda website of the Institute himself, using an official Inforos email address. The Institute owns an online media presence called russkie.org which disseminates Russian disinformation and propaganda about the war of aggression against Ukraine. Therefore, the Institute of the Russian diaspora is materially supporting actions and policies which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

28.7.2023’

---

| 28.7.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | LI 190/9 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

28.7.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

LI 190/9

---

COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2023/1564

of 28 July 2023

implementing Regulation (EC) No 1183/2005 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1183/2005 of 18 July 2005 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (1), and in particular Article 9(2) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,

Whereas:

| (1) | On 18 July 2005, the Council adopted Regulation (EC) No 1183/2005. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

On 18 July 2005, the Council adopted Regulation (EC) No 1183/2005.

| (2) | Further to an evaluation of the relevant circumstances and in view of the gravity of the situation in the DRC, the Council considers that nine persons should be added to the list of natural or legal persons, entities and bodies set out in Annex Ia to Regulation (EC) No 1183/2005. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Further to an evaluation of the relevant circumstances and in view of the gravity of the situation in the DRC, the Council considers that nine persons should be added to the list of natural or legal persons, entities and bodies set out in Annex Ia to Regulation (EC) No 1183/2005.

| (3) | Annex Ia to Regulation (EC) No 1183/2005 should therefore be amended accordingly, |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Annex Ia to Regulation (EC) No 1183/2005 should therefore be amended accordingly,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

Annex Ia to Regulation (EC) No 1183/2005 is amended in accordance with the Annex to this Regulation.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 28 July 2023.

For the Council

The President

P. NAVARRO RÍOS

---

(1)  
  OJ L 193, 23.7.2005, p. 1

1

---

ANNEX

The following persons are added to the list of natural or legal persons, entities and bodies set out in Section A (‘Persons’) of Annex Ia to Regulation (EC) No 1183/2005:

Persons

| | Name | Identifying information | Statement of Reasons | Date of listing |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| ‘18. | Bernard Maheshe BYAMUNGU | a.k.a. Tiger One
  Function/rank: Brigadier-General in M23/ARC, Deputy Commander of operations
  DOB: 10/10/1974
  Nationality: DRC
  Gender: Male | Bernard Byamungu holds a leading position in the military branch of the Mouvement du 23 mars (M23)/Armée révolutionnaire congolaise (ARC) as Brigadier-General and Deputy-Commander of operations of this non-governmental armed group operating in Eastern DRC.
  The M23/ARC sustains the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC and is responsible for serious human rights abuses in that country, in particular through attacks against civilians and the Congolese armed forces (FARDC), killings, torture, rapes and forced labour, such as a series of killings targeting civilians in the town of Kisheshe on 29 November 2022.
  Owing to his leading position in the M23/ARC, Bernard Byamungu is therefore involved in planning, directing or committing acts that constitute serious human rights violations or abuses in the DRC. He is also responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC. | 28.7.2023 |
| 19. | Michel RUKUNDA | a.k.a. Makanika
  Function/rank: Commander and Military leader of the armed group Twirwaneho in South Kivu
  DOB: 12/9/1974
  POB: Minembwe, South-Kivu, DRC
  Nationality: DRC
  Gender: Male | Michel Rukunda is a former Colonel of the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) and the Commander and Military leader of the non-governmental armed group Twirwaneho operating in South Kivu, which claims to represent the Banyamulenge Community.
  Twirwaneho sustains the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC and is responsible for serious human rights abuses in that country, in particular through the voluntary or forced child recruitment to participate actively in hostilities, attacks against civilians and the Congolese armed forces (FARDC), and killings, such as attacks against civilians in Mikenge village in November 2021 which killed at least six persons.
  In addition, Michel Rukunda has been directly involved in the military training of recruits and in the use of children, including as armed escorts.
  Owing to his leading position in Twirwaneho and his direct involvement in the training and use of children, Michel Rukunda is therefore involved in planning, directing or committing acts that constitute serious human rights violations or abuses in the DRC. He is also responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC. | 28.7.2023 |
| 20. | Charles SEMATAMA | a.k.a. Sebanyana
  Function/rank: Commander, Deputy military leader of Twirwaneho
  DOB: 1975
  POB: Kalunyo village, around Kamombo localities, South Kivu, DRC
  Nationality: DRC
  Gender: Male | Charles Sematama is a former officer of the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) and holds the leading position of Commander and Deputy Military leader of the non-governmental armed group Twirwaneho operating in South Kivu, which claims to represent the Banyamulenge Community.
  Twirwaneho sustains the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC and is responsible for serious human rights abuses in that country, in particular through the voluntary or forced child recruitment to participate actively in hostilities, attacks against civilians and the Congolese armed forces (FARDC), and killings, such as attacks against civilians in Mikenge village in November 2021 which killed at least six persons.
  In addition, Charles Sematama has been directly involved in propaganda sessions as well as in the forced recruitment and use of children, including as armed escorts.
  Owing to his leading position in Twirwaneho and his direct involvement in the forced recruitment and use of children, Charles Sematama is therefore involved in planning, directing or committing acts that constitute serious human rights violations or abuses in the DRC. He is also responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC. | 28.7.2023 |
| 21. | Ahmad Mahmood HASSAN | a.k.a. Ahmad Mahamood Hassan, Ahmad Mahmoud Hassan, Jundi, Abwakasi, Abuwakas, Murabu, Marabou, or Mwarabu
  Function/rank: ADF senior leader.
  DOB: Approximately 1993
  Nationality: Tanzanian
  Gender: Male | Ahmad Mahmood Hassan is a senior leader of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a non-governmental armed group operating in Uganda and the Eastern DRC. He has been identified as holding key responsibilities in the ADF, including command of a camp, training of recruits, production of bombs, online outreach and rapprochement with ISIL (Da’esh).
  The ADF sustains the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC (particularly in the Ituri and North Kivu provinces) and is responsible for serious human rights abuses in that country, in particular through attacks against civilians, killings and abductions, such as the attacks in March 2023 in southern and south-east Beni territory killing more than 80 civilians and abducting more than 20 others.
  In addition, Ahmad Mahmood Hassan has been directly involved in the planning and conduct of ADF attacks, including a bombing in the small town of Kasindi (Beni territory) on 15 January 2023 and a bomb attack in Goma on 7 April 2022 which killed six persons and injured sixteen others.
  Owing to his senior leading position within the ADF and his direct involvement in the planning and conduct of ADF attacks, Ahmad Mahmood Hassan is therefore involved in planning, directing or committing acts that constitute serious human rights violations or abuses in the DRC. He is also responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC. | 28.7.2023 |
| 22. | Janvier Karairi (“Karahiri”) BUINGO | Function/rank: General, head of APCLS
  DOB: Approximately 1962
  Nationality: Assumed Congolese (DRC)
  Gender: Male | Janvier Karairi holds the leading position of General and head of the Alliance des patriotes pour un Congo libre et souverain (APCLS), a non-governmental armed group operating in the North-Eastern DRC and involved in the coalition of armed groups “Alliance des résistants de la patrie” (ARP) against the Mouvement du 23 mars (M23)/Armée révolutionnaire congolaise (ARC).
  The APCLS sustains the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC and is responsible for serious human rights abuses in that country, in particular through participating in operations of the coalition of armed groups ARP, such as in Kitshanga and Rubaya in January and late February 2023, killings of and attacks against civilians, notably against Congolese Tutsi’s, and grave violations committed against children such as rapes and other forms of sexual violence and abduction.
  Owing to his leading position in the APCLS, Janvier Karairi is therefore involved in planning, directing or committing acts that constitute serious human rights violations or abuses in the DRC. He is also responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC. | 28.7.2023 |
| 23. | Justin Maki GESI | a.k.a. Le petit loup de la montagne
  Function/rank: Commander of CODECO/Alliance pour le Développement du Congo (CODECO/ALC).
  DOB: Unknown
  Nationality: Assumed Congolese (DRC)
  Gender: Male | Justin Maki Gesi holds a leading position as Commander of the ALC/CODECO, a non-governmental armed group operating in North-Eastern DRC (especially Ituri).
  The ALC/CODECO sustains the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC and is responsible for serious human rights abuses in that country, in particular through the use of children as combatants, abductions, killings of and attacks against civilians, such as the attack on the villages of Nyamamba and Mbogi on 13 January 2023 after which more than 40 victims were found.
  Owing to his leading position in the CODECO/ALC, Justin Maki Gesi is therefore involved in planning, directing or committing acts that constitute serious human rights violations or abuses in the DRC. He is also responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC. | 28.7.2023 |
| 24. | Apollinaire HAKIZIMANA | a.k.a. le poète, Adonia
  Function/rank: Lieutenant-General within FDLR/Commissioner of Defense
  DOB: 1964
  Nationality: Rwanda
  Gender: Male | Apollinaire Hakizimana is a military leader of the “Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda-Forces combattantes abacunguzi” (FDLR-FOCA), as General and Commissioner of Defense of this non-governmental armed group operating in Eastern DRC.
  The FDLR-FOCA sustains the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC and is responsible for serious human rights abuses in that country, in particular through recruitment and training of combatants, killings of civilians, and grave violations committed against children such as rapes and other acts of sexual violence and abduction.
  Owing to his leading position in the FDLR-FOCA, Apollinaire Hakizimana is therefore involved in planning, directing or committing acts that constitute serious human rights violations or abuses in the DRC. He is also responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC. | 28.7.2023 |
| 25. | Simon (Salomon) TOKOLONGA | Function/rank: Colonel, commander of the FARDC 3411th regiment
  DOB: 17/4/1972
  POB: Kishandja (North Kivu)
  Nationality: DRC
  Gender: Male | Colonel Simon Tokolonga holds a leading position in the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) as head of its 3411th regiment.
  Colonel Tokolonga attended a meeting in Pinga on 8 and 9 May 2022 where local armed groups, such as the Nduma défense du Congo-Rénové (NDC-R) and the Alliance des patriotes pour un Congo libre et souverain (APCLS), gathered and forged a coalition to resist the Mouvement du 23 mars (M23)/Armée révolutionnaire congolaise (ARC) (coalition “Alliance des résistants de la patrie” – ARP). The presence of Colonel Tokolonga has revealed the cooperation of some FARDC members with this coalition.
  In addition, members of the 3411th regiment of the FARDC have supplied weapons and ammunitions to armed groups operating in the DRC, including the provision of more than a dozen boxes of ammunition to FDLR (“Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda”) fighters in Kazaroho in July 2022. Colonel Tokolonga has reportedly coordinated several weapons supplies to armed groups operating against M23/ARC.
  The non-governmental armed groups part of the ARP coalition, including the NDC-R, APCLS and FDLR, sustain the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC, and are responsible for serious human rights abuses in that country, in particular through recruitment and training of combatants, participation in operations against M23/ARC, attacks against civilians, killings, and grave violations committed against children such as rapes and other forms of sexual violence and abduction.
  Owing to his leading position in the 3411th regiment of the FARDC and his coordinating role in weapons supplies, Simon Tokolonga is therefore responsible for providing support to armed groups sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC, including by providing them with arms and ammunitions. | 28.7.2023 |
| 26. | Jean Pierre NIRAGIRE | a.k.a. Jean-Pierre, Gasasira
  Function/rank: Captain. Commander of the Rwandese Defence Forces (RDF) Special Forces Unit active in Northern Kivu.
  Nationality: Rwanda
  Gender: Male | Captain Jean-Pierre Niragire holds the leading position of commander of the Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF) special forces deployed in the North Kivu region of the DRC from May 2022 onward.
  The objective of the RDF military actions on the DRC territory has been to reinforce the March 23 Movement/Congolese Revolutionary Army (M23/ARC), a non-governmental armed group operating in Eastern DRC, in particular by providing it with troops and materiel.
  The M23/ARC sustains the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC, and is responsible for serious human rights abuses in that country, in particular through attacks against civilians and the Congolese armed forces (FARDC), killings, torture, rapes and forced labour, such as a series of killings targeting civilians in the town of Kisheshe on 29 November 2022.
  As commander of the RDF special forces deployed in the North Kivu region, Jean Pierre Niragire is therefore responsible for providing support to the armed group M23/ARC, which sustains the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC, in particular by providing it with troops and materiel. | 28.7.2023’ |

Name

Identifying information

Statement of Reasons

Date of listing

‘18.

Bernard Maheshe BYAMUNGU

a.k.a. Tiger One

Function/rank: Brigadier-General in M23/ARC, Deputy Commander of operations

DOB: 10/10/1974

Nationality: DRC

Gender: Male

Bernard Byamungu holds a leading position in the military branch of the Mouvement du 23 mars (M23)/Armée révolutionnaire congolaise (ARC) as Brigadier-General and Deputy-Commander of operations of this non-governmental armed group operating in Eastern DRC.

The M23/ARC sustains the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC and is responsible for serious human rights abuses in that country, in particular through attacks against civilians and the Congolese armed forces (FARDC), killings, torture, rapes and forced labour, such as a series of killings targeting civilians in the town of Kisheshe on 29 November 2022.

Owing to his leading position in the M23/ARC, Bernard Byamungu is therefore involved in planning, directing or committing acts that constitute serious human rights violations or abuses in the DRC. He is also responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC.

28.7.2023

19.

Michel RUKUNDA

a.k.a. Makanika

Function/rank: Commander and Military leader of the armed group Twirwaneho in South Kivu

DOB: 12/9/1974

POB: Minembwe, South-Kivu, DRC

Nationality: DRC

Gender: Male

Michel Rukunda is a former Colonel of the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) and the Commander and Military leader of the non-governmental armed group Twirwaneho operating in South Kivu, which claims to represent the Banyamulenge Community.

Twirwaneho sustains the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC and is responsible for serious human rights abuses in that country, in particular through the voluntary or forced child recruitment to participate actively in hostilities, attacks against civilians and the Congolese armed forces (FARDC), and killings, such as attacks against civilians in Mikenge village in November 2021 which killed at least six persons.

In addition, Michel Rukunda has been directly involved in the military training of recruits and in the use of children, including as armed escorts.

Owing to his leading position in Twirwaneho and his direct involvement in the training and use of children, Michel Rukunda is therefore involved in planning, directing or committing acts that constitute serious human rights violations or abuses in the DRC. He is also responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC.

28.7.2023

20.

Charles SEMATAMA

a.k.a. Sebanyana

Function/rank: Commander, Deputy military leader of Twirwaneho

DOB: 1975

POB: Kalunyo village, around Kamombo localities, South Kivu, DRC

Nationality: DRC

Gender: Male

Charles Sematama is a former officer of the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) and holds the leading position of Commander and Deputy Military leader of the non-governmental armed group Twirwaneho operating in South Kivu, which claims to represent the Banyamulenge Community.

Twirwaneho sustains the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC and is responsible for serious human rights abuses in that country, in particular through the voluntary or forced child recruitment to participate actively in hostilities, attacks against civilians and the Congolese armed forces (FARDC), and killings, such as attacks against civilians in Mikenge village in November 2021 which killed at least six persons.

In addition, Charles Sematama has been directly involved in propaganda sessions as well as in the forced recruitment and use of children, including as armed escorts.

Owing to his leading position in Twirwaneho and his direct involvement in the forced recruitment and use of children, Charles Sematama is therefore involved in planning, directing or committing acts that constitute serious human rights violations or abuses in the DRC. He is also responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC.

28.7.2023

21.

Ahmad Mahmood HASSAN

a.k.a. Ahmad Mahamood Hassan, Ahmad Mahmoud Hassan, Jundi, Abwakasi, Abuwakas, Murabu, Marabou, or Mwarabu

Function/rank: ADF senior leader.

DOB: Approximately 1993

Nationality: Tanzanian

Gender: Male

Ahmad Mahmood Hassan is a senior leader of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a non-governmental armed group operating in Uganda and the Eastern DRC. He has been identified as holding key responsibilities in the ADF, including command of a camp, training of recruits, production of bombs, online outreach and rapprochement with ISIL (Da’esh).

The ADF sustains the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC (particularly in the Ituri and North Kivu provinces) and is responsible for serious human rights abuses in that country, in particular through attacks against civilians, killings and abductions, such as the attacks in March 2023 in southern and south-east Beni territory killing more than 80 civilians and abducting more than 20 others.

In addition, Ahmad Mahmood Hassan has been directly involved in the planning and conduct of ADF attacks, including a bombing in the small town of Kasindi (Beni territory) on 15 January 2023 and a bomb attack in Goma on 7 April 2022 which killed six persons and injured sixteen others.

Owing to his senior leading position within the ADF and his direct involvement in the planning and conduct of ADF attacks, Ahmad Mahmood Hassan is therefore involved in planning, directing or committing acts that constitute serious human rights violations or abuses in the DRC. He is also responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC.

28.7.2023

22.

Janvier Karairi (“Karahiri”) BUINGO

Function/rank: General, head of APCLS

DOB: Approximately 1962

Nationality: Assumed Congolese (DRC)

Gender: Male

Janvier Karairi holds the leading position of General and head of the Alliance des patriotes pour un Congo libre et souverain (APCLS), a non-governmental armed group operating in the North-Eastern DRC and involved in the coalition of armed groups “Alliance des résistants de la patrie” (ARP) against the Mouvement du 23 mars (M23)/Armée révolutionnaire congolaise (ARC).

The APCLS sustains the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC and is responsible for serious human rights abuses in that country, in particular through participating in operations of the coalition of armed groups ARP, such as in Kitshanga and Rubaya in January and late February 2023, killings of and attacks against civilians, notably against Congolese Tutsi’s, and grave violations committed against children such as rapes and other forms of sexual violence and abduction.

Owing to his leading position in the APCLS, Janvier Karairi is therefore involved in planning, directing or committing acts that constitute serious human rights violations or abuses in the DRC. He is also responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC.

28.7.2023

23.

Justin Maki GESI

a.k.a. Le petit loup de la montagne

Function/rank: Commander of CODECO/Alliance pour le Développement du Congo (CODECO/ALC).

DOB: Unknown

Nationality: Assumed Congolese (DRC)

Gender: Male

Justin Maki Gesi holds a leading position as Commander of the ALC/CODECO, a non-governmental armed group operating in North-Eastern DRC (especially Ituri).

The ALC/CODECO sustains the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC and is responsible for serious human rights abuses in that country, in particular through the use of children as combatants, abductions, killings of and attacks against civilians, such as the attack on the villages of Nyamamba and Mbogi on 13 January 2023 after which more than 40 victims were found.

Owing to his leading position in the CODECO/ALC, Justin Maki Gesi is therefore involved in planning, directing or committing acts that constitute serious human rights violations or abuses in the DRC. He is also responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC.

28.7.2023

24.

Apollinaire HAKIZIMANA

a.k.a. le poète, Adonia

Function/rank: Lieutenant-General within FDLR/Commissioner of Defense

DOB: 1964

Nationality: Rwanda

Gender: Male

Apollinaire Hakizimana is a military leader of the “Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda-Forces combattantes abacunguzi” (FDLR-FOCA), as General and Commissioner of Defense of this non-governmental armed group operating in Eastern DRC.

The FDLR-FOCA sustains the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC and is responsible for serious human rights abuses in that country, in particular through recruitment and training of combatants, killings of civilians, and grave violations committed against children such as rapes and other acts of sexual violence and abduction.

Owing to his leading position in the FDLR-FOCA, Apollinaire Hakizimana is therefore involved in planning, directing or committing acts that constitute serious human rights violations or abuses in the DRC. He is also responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC.

28.7.2023

25.

Simon (Salomon) TOKOLONGA

Function/rank: Colonel, commander of the FARDC 3411th regiment

DOB: 17/4/1972

POB: Kishandja (North Kivu)

Nationality: DRC

Gender: Male

Colonel Simon Tokolonga holds a leading position in the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) as head of its 3411th regiment.

Colonel Tokolonga attended a meeting in Pinga on 8 and 9 May 2022 where local armed groups, such as the Nduma défense du Congo-Rénové (NDC-R) and the Alliance des patriotes pour un Congo libre et souverain (APCLS), gathered and forged a coalition to resist the Mouvement du 23 mars (M23)/Armée révolutionnaire congolaise (ARC) (coalition “Alliance des résistants de la patrie” – ARP). The presence of Colonel Tokolonga has revealed the cooperation of some FARDC members with this coalition.

In addition, members of the 3411th regiment of the FARDC have supplied weapons and ammunitions to armed groups operating in the DRC, including the provision of more than a dozen boxes of ammunition to FDLR (“Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda”) fighters in Kazaroho in July 2022. Colonel Tokolonga has reportedly coordinated several weapons supplies to armed groups operating against M23/ARC.

The non-governmental armed groups part of the ARP coalition, including the NDC-R, APCLS and FDLR, sustain the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC, and are responsible for serious human rights abuses in that country, in particular through recruitment and training of combatants, participation in operations against M23/ARC, attacks against civilians, killings, and grave violations committed against children such as rapes and other forms of sexual violence and abduction.

Owing to his leading position in the 3411th regiment of the FARDC and his coordinating role in weapons supplies, Simon Tokolonga is therefore responsible for providing support to armed groups sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC, including by providing them with arms and ammunitions.

28.7.2023

26.

Jean Pierre NIRAGIRE

a.k.a. Jean-Pierre, Gasasira

Function/rank: Captain. Commander of the Rwandese Defence Forces (RDF) Special Forces Unit active in Northern Kivu.

Nationality: Rwanda

Gender: Male

Captain Jean-Pierre Niragire holds the leading position of commander of the Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF) special forces deployed in the North Kivu region of the DRC from May 2022 onward.

The objective of the RDF military actions on the DRC territory has been to reinforce the March 23 Movement/Congolese Revolutionary Army (M23/ARC), a non-governmental armed group operating in Eastern DRC, in particular by providing it with troops and materiel.

The M23/ARC sustains the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC, and is responsible for serious human rights abuses in that country, in particular through attacks against civilians and the Congolese armed forces (FARDC), killings, torture, rapes and forced labour, such as a series of killings targeting civilians in the town of Kisheshe on 29 November 2022.

As commander of the RDF special forces deployed in the North Kivu region, Jean Pierre Niragire is therefore responsible for providing support to the armed group M23/ARC, which sustains the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC, in particular by providing it with troops and materiel.

28.7.2023’

---

| 28.7.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | LI 190/19 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

28.7.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

LI 190/19

---

COUNCIL REGULATION (EU) 2023/1565

of 28 July 2023

amending Regulation (EC) No 1183/2005 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 215 thereof,

Having regard to Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/1568 of 28 July 2023 amending Decision 2010/788/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (1),

Having regard to the joint proposal of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the European Commission,

Whereas:

| (1) | Council Regulation (EC) No 1183/2005 (2) gives effect to Council Decision 2010/788/CFSP (3) and provides for certain measures directed against persons acting in violation of the arms embargo with regard to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), including freezing their assets. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Council Regulation (EC) No 1183/2005 (2) gives effect to Council Decision 2010/788/CFSP (3) and provides for certain measures directed against persons acting in violation of the arms embargo with regard to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), including freezing their assets.

| (2) | In view of the gravity of the situation in the DRC, Decision (CFSP) 2023/1568 amends the criteria of Union autonomous listings to allow for the application of targeted restrictive measures against natural or legal persons, entities or bodies that provide support to any natural or legal person, entity or body responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability or insecurity in the DRC. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

In view of the gravity of the situation in the DRC, Decision (CFSP) 2023/1568 amends the criteria of Union autonomous listings to allow for the application of targeted restrictive measures against natural or legal persons, entities or bodies that provide support to any natural or legal person, entity or body responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability or insecurity in the DRC.

| (3) | Regulatory action at the Union level is therefore necessary to give effect to Decision (CFSP) 2023/1568 in particular with a view to ensure uniform application by economic operators in all Member States. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Regulatory action at the Union level is therefore necessary to give effect to Decision (CFSP) 2023/1568 in particular with a view to ensure uniform application by economic operators in all Member States.

| (4) | Regulation (EC) No 1183/2005 should therefore be amended accordingly, |
| --- | --- |

(4)

Regulation (EC) No 1183/2005 should therefore be amended accordingly,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

In Article 2b(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1183/2005, point (d) is replaced by the following:

| ‘(d) | providing support to natural or legal persons, entities or bodies responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability or insecurity in the DRC.’. |
| --- | --- |

‘(d)

providing support to natural or legal persons, entities or bodies responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability or insecurity in the DRC.’.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 28 July 2023.

For the Council

The President

P. NAVARRO RÍOS

---

(1)  See page 37 of this Official Journal.

1

(2)  Council Regulation (EC) No 1183/2005 of 18 July 2005 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (OJ L 193, 23.7.2005, p. 1).

2

(3)  Council Decision 2010/788/CFSP of 20 December 2010 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (OJ L 336, 21.12.2010, p. 30).

3

---

DECISIONS

| 28.7.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | LI 190/21 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

28.7.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

LI 190/21

---

COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2023/1566

of 28 July 2023

amending Decision 2014/145/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 29 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,

Whereas:

| (1) | On 17 March 2014, the Council adopted Decision 2014/145/CFSP (1). |
| --- | --- |

(1)

On 17 March 2014, the Council adopted Decision 2014/145/CFSP (1).

| (2) | The Union remains unwavering in its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The Union remains unwavering in its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

| (3) | In its conclusions of 23 March 2023, the European Council reiterated the Union’s resolute condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a manifest violation of the United Nations Charter. The European Council also reiterated that the Union remains committed to maintaining and increasing collective pressure on Russia, including through possible further restrictive measures. The European Council also stated that the Union will intensify its work with partners to counter false Russian narratives and disinformation about the war. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

In its conclusions of 23 March 2023, the European Council reiterated the Union’s resolute condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a manifest violation of the United Nations Charter. The European Council also reiterated that the Union remains committed to maintaining and increasing collective pressure on Russia, including through possible further restrictive measures. The European Council also stated that the Union will intensify its work with partners to counter false Russian narratives and disinformation about the war.

| (4) | In the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, Russian actors have conducted a digital information manipulation campaign named ‘RRN’ (Recent Reliable News), aiming at manipulating information and disseminating propaganda in support of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. That campaign, in which government bodies or bodies affiliated to the Russian State have participated, relies on fake web pages usurping the identity of national media outlets and government websites as well as fake accounts on social media. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

In the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, Russian actors have conducted a digital information manipulation campaign named ‘RRN’ (Recent Reliable News), aiming at manipulating information and disseminating propaganda in support of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. That campaign, in which government bodies or bodies affiliated to the Russian State have participated, relies on fake web pages usurping the identity of national media outlets and government websites as well as fake accounts on social media.

| (5) | In view of the gravity of the situation, the Council considers that seven persons and five entities responsible for actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine should be added to the list of persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures set out in the Annex to Decision 2014/145/CFSP. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

In view of the gravity of the situation, the Council considers that seven persons and five entities responsible for actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine should be added to the list of persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures set out in the Annex to Decision 2014/145/CFSP.

| (6) | Further action by the Union is needed in order to implement certain measures. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

Further action by the Union is needed in order to implement certain measures.

| (7) | Decision 2014/145/CFSP should therefore be amended accordingly, |
| --- | --- |

(7)

Decision 2014/145/CFSP should therefore be amended accordingly,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The Annex to Decision 2014/145/CFSP is amended in accordance with the Annex to this Decision.

Article 2

This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Done at Brussels, 28 July 2023.

For the Council

The President

P. NAVARRO RÍOS

---

(1)  Council Decision 2014/145/CFSP of 17 March 2014 concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine (OJ L 78, 17.3.2014, p. 16).

1

---

ANNEX

The following persons and entities are added to the list of persons, entities and bodies set out in the Annex to Decision 2014/145/CFSP:

| | Persons | Name | Identifying information | Statement of Reasons | Date of listing |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| ‘1578. | Timofey Vladimirovitch VASSILIEV
  Тимофей Bладимирович ВАСИЛЬЕВ
  A.k.a. Timofey VI
  Тимофей ВИ | Function: Head of the Department for strategic guidance of ANO Dialog
  POB: Moscow, Russian Federation
  Nationality: Russian
  Gender: male | Timofey Vassiliev is the Head of the Department for strategic guidance of ANO Dialog, a Russian non-profit organisation created by the Moscow Department of Information and Technology (DIT) in 2019 and linked to the presidential administration, which has been disseminating online propaganda about the illegally annexed territories in Ukraine. Timofey Vassiliev, runs the popular “fact-checking” Telegram account and subsequent domains “War on Fakes” which spread disinformation about the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Therefore, Timofey Vassiliev is responsible for supporting and implementing actions and policies which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. | 28.7.2023 |
| 1579. | Ilya Andreïevitch GAMBACHIDZE
  Илья Андреевич ГАМБАЧИДЗЕ | Function: Founder of Structura National Technologies and Social Design Agency
  Nationality: Russian
  Gender: male | Ilya Gambachidze is the founder of Structura National Technologies and Social Design Agency, two Russian entities involved in the Russian-led digital disinformation campaign “RRN” (Recent Reliable News) aiming at manipulating information and sharing disinformation in support of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Ilya Gambachidze formerly worked as a counsellor to the Vice-President of the Duma, Piotr Tolstoi. Structura National Technologies and Social Design Agency has been identified as the key actor of the campaign, responsible for the creation of fake websites impersonating government organisations and legitimate media in Europe (primarily Germany, France, Italy, Ukraine and the United Kingdom) and for boosting the pro-Russian “RRN” campaign on social media. Therefore, Ilya Gambachidze is responsible for supporting and implementing actions and policies which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. | 28.7.2023 |
| 1580. | Aleksandr Gennad’yevich STARUNSKY
  Александр Геннадьевич СТАРУНСКИЙ | Function: Founder of the Institute of the Russian Diaspora
  DOB: 12.6.1970
  Gender: male
  TIN: 771989171763 | Aleksandr Starunsky is a Russian military intelligence officer and former commander of GRU PsyOps unit 54777. He is a founder of the Institute of the Russian Diaspora, a GRU front organisation and an integral part of the media organisation Inforos. The Institute of the Russian Diaspora owns an online media presence called russkie.org which disseminates Russian disinformation and propaganda about the war of aggression against Ukraine. Therefore, Aleksandr Starunsky is responsible for supporting and implementing actions and policies which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. | 28.7.2023 |
| 1581. | Anastasia Sergeevna KIRILLOVA
  Анастасия Сергеевна КИРИЛЛОВА | Function: General Director of Inforos
  DOB: 13.12.1986
  Gender: female
  TIN: 771674318370 | Anastasia Kirillova is a founder and General Director of Inforos, an online news agency responsible for setting up more than 270 media proxy online news outlets that disseminate propaganda in support of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. It is a front organisation for Unit 54777 of the Russian military intelligence service GRU, responsible for psychological operations. Therefore, Anastasia Kirillova is responsible for supporting and implementing actions and polices which undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. | 28.7.2023 |
| 1582. | Nina Viktorovna DOROKHOVA
  Нина Викторовна ДОРОХОВА | Function: General Director of Inforos
  DOB: 20.11.1965
  Gender: female
  TIN: 505202442068 | Nina Dorokhova is a founder and General Director of Inforos, an online news agency responsible for setting up more than 270 media proxy online news outlets that disseminate propaganda in support of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. It is a front organisation for Unit 54777 of the Russian military intelligence service GRU, responsible for psychological operations. Therefore, Nina Dorokhova is responsible for supporting and implementing actions and policies which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. | 28.7.2023 |
| 1583. | Sergey Yurievich PANTELEYEV
  a.k.a. PANTELEEV
  Сергей Юрьевич ПАНТЕЛЕЕВ | Function: Intelligence officer in GRU unit 54777
  DOB: 15.3.1972
  POB: Lugansk, Ukraine
  Gender: male
  TIN: 772916129659 | Sergey Panteleyev is a member of GRU unit 54777 and founder of the Institute of the Russian Diaspora, a GRU front organisation and an integral part of Inforos’s online disinformation network. The Institute of the Russian Diaspora owns an online media presence called russkie.org which disseminates Russian disinformation and propaganda about the war of aggression against Ukraine. Therefore, Sergey Panteleyev is responsible for supporting and implementing actions and policies which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. | 28.7.2023 |
| 1584. | Denis Valerievich TYURIN
  Денис Валерьевич ТЮРИН | Function: GRU officer
  DOB: 1.4.1976
  POB: Moscow
  Gender: male
  TIN: 772807385405 | Denis Tyurin is a GRU intelligence officer and founder of Inforos, an online news agency responsible for setting up more than 270 media proxy online news outlets that disseminate propaganda in support of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. It is a front organisation for Unit 54777 of the Russian military intelligence service GRU, responsible for psychological operations. Therefore, Denis Tyurin is responsible for supporting and implementing actions and policies which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. | 28.7.2023’ |

Persons

Name

Identifying information

Statement of Reasons

Date of listing

‘1578.

Timofey Vladimirovitch VASSILIEV

Тимофей Bладимирович ВАСИЛЬЕВ

A.k.a. Timofey VI

Тимофей ВИ

Function: Head of the Department for strategic guidance of ANO Dialog

POB: Moscow, Russian Federation

Nationality: Russian

Gender: male

Timofey Vassiliev is the Head of the Department for strategic guidance of ANO Dialog, a Russian non-profit organisation created by the Moscow Department of Information and Technology (DIT) in 2019 and linked to the presidential administration, which has been disseminating online propaganda about the illegally annexed territories in Ukraine. Timofey Vassiliev, runs the popular “fact-checking” Telegram account and subsequent domains “War on Fakes” which spread disinformation about the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Therefore, Timofey Vassiliev is responsible for supporting and implementing actions and policies which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

28.7.2023

1579.

Ilya Andreïevitch GAMBACHIDZE

Илья Андреевич ГАМБАЧИДЗЕ

Function: Founder of Structura National Technologies and Social Design Agency

Nationality: Russian

Gender: male

Ilya Gambachidze is the founder of Structura National Technologies and Social Design Agency, two Russian entities involved in the Russian-led digital disinformation campaign “RRN” (Recent Reliable News) aiming at manipulating information and sharing disinformation in support of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Ilya Gambachidze formerly worked as a counsellor to the Vice-President of the Duma, Piotr Tolstoi. Structura National Technologies and Social Design Agency has been identified as the key actor of the campaign, responsible for the creation of fake websites impersonating government organisations and legitimate media in Europe (primarily Germany, France, Italy, Ukraine and the United Kingdom) and for boosting the pro-Russian “RRN” campaign on social media. Therefore, Ilya Gambachidze is responsible for supporting and implementing actions and policies which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

28.7.2023

1580.

Aleksandr Gennad’yevich STARUNSKY

Александр Геннадьевич СТАРУНСКИЙ

Function: Founder of the Institute of the Russian Diaspora

DOB: 12.6.1970

Gender: male

TIN: 771989171763

Aleksandr Starunsky is a Russian military intelligence officer and former commander of GRU PsyOps unit 54777. He is a founder of the Institute of the Russian Diaspora, a GRU front organisation and an integral part of the media organisation Inforos. The Institute of the Russian Diaspora owns an online media presence called russkie.org which disseminates Russian disinformation and propaganda about the war of aggression against Ukraine. Therefore, Aleksandr Starunsky is responsible for supporting and implementing actions and policies which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

28.7.2023

1581.

Anastasia Sergeevna KIRILLOVA

Анастасия Сергеевна КИРИЛЛОВА

Function: General Director of Inforos

DOB: 13.12.1986

Gender: female

TIN: 771674318370

Anastasia Kirillova is a founder and General Director of Inforos, an online news agency responsible for setting up more than 270 media proxy online news outlets that disseminate propaganda in support of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. It is a front organisation for Unit 54777 of the Russian military intelligence service GRU, responsible for psychological operations. Therefore, Anastasia Kirillova is responsible for supporting and implementing actions and polices which undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

28.7.2023

1582.

Nina Viktorovna DOROKHOVA

Нина Викторовна ДОРОХОВА

Function: General Director of Inforos

DOB: 20.11.1965

Gender: female

TIN: 505202442068

Nina Dorokhova is a founder and General Director of Inforos, an online news agency responsible for setting up more than 270 media proxy online news outlets that disseminate propaganda in support of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. It is a front organisation for Unit 54777 of the Russian military intelligence service GRU, responsible for psychological operations. Therefore, Nina Dorokhova is responsible for supporting and implementing actions and policies which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

28.7.2023

1583.

Sergey Yurievich PANTELEYEV

a.k.a. PANTELEEV

Сергей Юрьевич ПАНТЕЛЕЕВ

Function: Intelligence officer in GRU unit 54777

DOB: 15.3.1972

POB: Lugansk, Ukraine

Gender: male

TIN: 772916129659

Sergey Panteleyev is a member of GRU unit 54777 and founder of the Institute of the Russian Diaspora, a GRU front organisation and an integral part of Inforos’s online disinformation network. The Institute of the Russian Diaspora owns an online media presence called russkie.org which disseminates Russian disinformation and propaganda about the war of aggression against Ukraine. Therefore, Sergey Panteleyev is responsible for supporting and implementing actions and policies which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

28.7.2023

1584.

Denis Valerievich TYURIN

Денис Валерьевич ТЮРИН

Function: GRU officer

DOB: 1.4.1976

POB: Moscow

Gender: male

TIN: 772807385405

Denis Tyurin is a GRU intelligence officer and founder of Inforos, an online news agency responsible for setting up more than 270 media proxy online news outlets that disseminate propaganda in support of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. It is a front organisation for Unit 54777 of the Russian military intelligence service GRU, responsible for psychological operations. Therefore, Denis Tyurin is responsible for supporting and implementing actions and policies which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

28.7.2023’

| | Entities | Name | Identifying information | Reasons | Date of listing |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| ‘245. | Social Design Agency
  a.k.a.
  “Agentsvo Sotsialnogo Proektirovania aka ASP” | Address: Moscow Bolshoy Kislovsky per, 1, building 2
  Type of entity: Technology and Information Company
  Place of registration: Russia
  Date of registration: established 2001
  Principal place of business: Russia | Social Design Agency is a Russian IT company closely linked to Russian political power. Since 2022, it has been involved in the Russian-led digital disinformation campaign “RRN” (Recent Reliable News) aiming at manipulating information and sharing disinformation in support of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Social Design Agency has been identified as a key actor of the campaign, responsible for the creation of fake websites impersonating government organisations and legitimate media in Europe (primarily Germany, France, Italy, Ukraine and the United Kingdom) and for boosting the pro-Russian “RRN” campaign on social media. Therefore, Social Design Agency is materially supporting actions which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. | 28.7.2023 |
| 246. | Structura National Technologies
  a.k.a.
  “Struktura”
  Russian:
  ООО “ГК СТРУКТУРА” | Address: Moscow municipal district Arbat per Bolshoy Kislovskii 1 building 2 premises/room. i/42
  Type of entity: Technology and Information Company.
  Place of registration: Russia
  Date of registration: established 2009
  Registration number: TIN 7703438908
  Principal place of business: Russia | Structura National Technologies is a Russian IT company closely linked to Russian political power. Since 2022, it has been involved in the Russian-led digital disinformation campaign “RRN” (Recent Reliable News) aiming at manipulating information and sharing disinformation in support of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Structura National Technologies has been identified as a key actor of the campaign, responsible for the creation of fake websites impersonating government organisations and legitimate media in Europe (primarily Germany, France, Italy, Ukraine and the United Kingdom) and for boosting the pro-Russian “RRN” campaign on social media. Therefore, Structura National Technologies is materially supporting actions which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. | 28.7.2023 |
| 247. | ANO Dialog
  AHO Диалог | Address:119021, st. Timura Frunze, d.11, p. 1, BC Demidov, Moscow
  Type of entity: Autonomous non-profit organisation
  Place of registration: Russia
  Date of registration: 2019
  Registration number: TIN 9709056472
  Principal place of business: Russia | ANO Dialog is a Russian non-profit organisation created by the Moscow Department of Information and Technology (DIT) in 2019 and closely linked to the presidential administration. It is headed by Alexey Goreslavsky, former deputy head of the President’s Department for Public Projects (OPS). ANO Dialog has been disseminating online propaganda about the illegally annexed territories in Ukraine. ANO Dialog provides instructions to the Readovka Telegram channel that publishes disinformation about the war of aggression against Ukraine in support of the Kremlin’s propaganda. ANO Dialog is linked to the popular “fact-checking” Telegram account and subsequent domains “War on Fakes”, run by ANO’s Head of Strategic Areas Development of ANO Dialog, Timofey Vasiliev, that disseminates fake news and propaganda about the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Therefore, ANO Dialog is materially supporting actions which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. | 28.7.2023 |
| 248. | Inforos OOO IA
  ООО ИА ИНФОРОС | Address: 117218, MOSCOW, Intracity territory of the city of federal significance municipal district academic, 13 Krzhizhanovskogo str., k. 2, office 511
  Type of entity: Media organisation
  Place of registration: Moscow
  Date of registration: 2/6/2003
  TIN: 7727214569
  Principal place of business: Moscow | Inforos is an online news agency responsible for setting up more than 270 media proxy online news outlets that disseminate propaganda in support of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. It is a front organisation for Unit 54777 of the Russian military intelligence service GRU, responsible for psychological operations.
  The propaganda disseminated by Inforos and its various proxy outlets aims to propagate the idea of Ukraine as a “Nazi state” and to falsely paint the war of Russian aggression as a “proxy war” of “the west” against Russia and thus to undermine western support for Ukraine. Therefore, Inforos is materially supporting actions which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. | 28.7.2023 |
| 249. | Institute of the Russian Diaspora
  ИНСТИТУТ РУССКОГО ЗАРУБЕЖЬЯ | Address: 117218, MOSCOW CITY, str. Krzhizhanovskoy, d.13, str.2
  Type of entity: “Advising on commercial activities and management”
  Place of registration: Moscow
  Date of registration: 3/11/2005
  Registration number: TIN: 7727536630
  Principal place of business: Moscow | The Institute of the Russian Diaspora is a GRU front organisation and an integral part of Inforos’s online disinformation network. It was co-founded by Inforos-founder Denis Tyurin. Additionally, Denis Tyurin has registered the official propaganda website of the Institute himself, using an official Inforos email address. The Institute owns an online media presence called russkie.org which disseminates Russian disinformation and propaganda about the war of aggression against Ukraine. Therefore, the Institute of the Russian diaspora is materially supporting actions and policies which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. | 28.7.2023’ |

Entities

Name

Identifying information

Reasons

Date of listing

‘245.

Social Design Agency

a.k.a.

“Agentsvo Sotsialnogo Proektirovania aka ASP”

Address: Moscow Bolshoy Kislovsky per, 1, building 2

Type of entity: Technology and Information Company

Place of registration: Russia

Date of registration: established 2001

Principal place of business: Russia

Social Design Agency is a Russian IT company closely linked to Russian political power. Since 2022, it has been involved in the Russian-led digital disinformation campaign “RRN” (Recent Reliable News) aiming at manipulating information and sharing disinformation in support of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Social Design Agency has been identified as a key actor of the campaign, responsible for the creation of fake websites impersonating government organisations and legitimate media in Europe (primarily Germany, France, Italy, Ukraine and the United Kingdom) and for boosting the pro-Russian “RRN” campaign on social media. Therefore, Social Design Agency is materially supporting actions which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

28.7.2023

246.

Structura National Technologies

a.k.a.

“Struktura”

Russian:

ООО “ГК СТРУКТУРА”

Address: Moscow municipal district Arbat per Bolshoy Kislovskii 1 building 2 premises/room. i/42

Type of entity: Technology and Information Company.

Place of registration: Russia

Date of registration: established 2009

Registration number: TIN 7703438908

Principal place of business: Russia

Structura National Technologies is a Russian IT company closely linked to Russian political power. Since 2022, it has been involved in the Russian-led digital disinformation campaign “RRN” (Recent Reliable News) aiming at manipulating information and sharing disinformation in support of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Structura National Technologies has been identified as a key actor of the campaign, responsible for the creation of fake websites impersonating government organisations and legitimate media in Europe (primarily Germany, France, Italy, Ukraine and the United Kingdom) and for boosting the pro-Russian “RRN” campaign on social media. Therefore, Structura National Technologies is materially supporting actions which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

28.7.2023

247.

ANO Dialog

AHO Диалог

Address:119021, st. Timura Frunze, d.11, p. 1, BC Demidov, Moscow

Type of entity: Autonomous non-profit organisation

Place of registration: Russia

Date of registration: 2019

Registration number: TIN 9709056472

Principal place of business: Russia

ANO Dialog is a Russian non-profit organisation created by the Moscow Department of Information and Technology (DIT) in 2019 and closely linked to the presidential administration. It is headed by Alexey Goreslavsky, former deputy head of the President’s Department for Public Projects (OPS). ANO Dialog has been disseminating online propaganda about the illegally annexed territories in Ukraine. ANO Dialog provides instructions to the Readovka Telegram channel that publishes disinformation about the war of aggression against Ukraine in support of the Kremlin’s propaganda. ANO Dialog is linked to the popular “fact-checking” Telegram account and subsequent domains “War on Fakes”, run by ANO’s Head of Strategic Areas Development of ANO Dialog, Timofey Vasiliev, that disseminates fake news and propaganda about the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Therefore, ANO Dialog is materially supporting actions which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

28.7.2023

248.

Inforos OOO IA

ООО ИА ИНФОРОС

Address: 117218, MOSCOW, Intracity territory of the city of federal significance municipal district academic, 13 Krzhizhanovskogo str., k. 2, office 511

Type of entity: Media organisation

Place of registration: Moscow

Date of registration: 2/6/2003

TIN: 7727214569

Principal place of business: Moscow

Inforos is an online news agency responsible for setting up more than 270 media proxy online news outlets that disseminate propaganda in support of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. It is a front organisation for Unit 54777 of the Russian military intelligence service GRU, responsible for psychological operations.

The propaganda disseminated by Inforos and its various proxy outlets aims to propagate the idea of Ukraine as a “Nazi state” and to falsely paint the war of Russian aggression as a “proxy war” of “the west” against Russia and thus to undermine western support for Ukraine. Therefore, Inforos is materially supporting actions which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

28.7.2023

249.

Institute of the Russian Diaspora

ИНСТИТУТ РУССКОГО ЗАРУБЕЖЬЯ

Address: 117218, MOSCOW CITY, str. Krzhizhanovskoy, d.13, str.2

Type of entity: “Advising on commercial activities and management”

Place of registration: Moscow

Date of registration: 3/11/2005

Registration number: TIN: 7727536630

Principal place of business: Moscow

The Institute of the Russian Diaspora is a GRU front organisation and an integral part of Inforos’s online disinformation network. It was co-founded by Inforos-founder Denis Tyurin. Additionally, Denis Tyurin has registered the official propaganda website of the Institute himself, using an official Inforos email address. The Institute owns an online media presence called russkie.org which disseminates Russian disinformation and propaganda about the war of aggression against Ukraine. Therefore, the Institute of the Russian diaspora is materially supporting actions and policies which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

28.7.2023’

---

| 28.7.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | LI 190/28 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

28.7.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

LI 190/28

---

COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING DECISION (CFSP) 2023/1567

of 28 July 2023

implementing Decision 2010/788/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 31(2) thereof,

Having regard to Council Decision 2010/788/CFSP of 20 December 2010 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (1), and in particular Article 6(2) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,

Whereas:

| (1) | On 20 December 2010, the Council adopted Decision 2010/788/CFSP. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

On 20 December 2010, the Council adopted Decision 2010/788/CFSP.

| (2) | On 12 December 2016, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2016/2231 (2) in response to the obstruction of the electoral process and the related human rights violations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Decision (CFSP) 2016/2231 amended Decision 2010/788/CFSP and introduced additional restrictive measures. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

On 12 December 2016, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2016/2231 (2) in response to the obstruction of the electoral process and the related human rights violations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Decision (CFSP) 2016/2231 amended Decision 2010/788/CFSP and introduced additional restrictive measures.

| (3) | Further to an evaluation of the relevant circumstances and in view of the gravity of the situation in DRC, the Council considers that nine persons should be added to the list of natural or legal persons, entities and bodies set out in Annex II to Decision 2010/788/CFSP. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Further to an evaluation of the relevant circumstances and in view of the gravity of the situation in DRC, the Council considers that nine persons should be added to the list of natural or legal persons, entities and bodies set out in Annex II to Decision 2010/788/CFSP.

| (4) | Decision 2010/788/CFSP should therefore be amended accordingly, |
| --- | --- |

(4)

Decision 2010/788/CFSP should therefore be amended accordingly,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

Annex II to Decision 2010/788/CFSP is amended in accordance with the Annex to this Decision.

Article 2

This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Done at Brussels, 28 July 2023.

For the Council

The President

P. NAVARRO RÍOS

---

(1)  
  OJ L 336, 21.12.2010, p. 30.

1

(2)  Council Decision (CFSP) 2016/2231 of 12 December 2016 amending Decision 2010/788/CFSP concerning restrictive measures against the Democratic Republic of the Congo (OJ L 336 I, 12.12.2016, p. 7).

2

---

ANNEX

The following persons are added to the list of natural or legal persons, entities and bodies set out in Section A (‘Persons’) of Annex II to Decision 2010/788/CFSP:

Persons

| | Name | Identifying information | Statement of Reasons | Date of listing |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| ‘18. | Bernard Maheshe BYAMUNGU | a.k.a. Tiger One
  Function/rank: Brigadier-General in M23/ARC, Deputy Commander of operations
  DOB: 10.10.1974
  Nationality: DRC
  Gender: Male | Bernard Byamungu holds a leading position in the military branch of the Mouvement du 23 mars (M23)/Armée révolutionnaire congolaise (ARC) as Brigadier-General and Deputy-Commander of operations of this non-governmental armed group operating in Eastern DRC.
  The M23/ARC sustains the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC and is responsible for serious human rights abuses in that country, in particular through attacks against civilians and the Congolese armed forces (FARDC), killings, torture, rapes and forced labour, such as a series of killings targeting civilians in the town of Kisheshe on 29 November 2022.
  Owing to his leading position in the M23/ARC, Bernard Byamungu is therefore involved in planning, directing or committing acts that constitute serious human rights violations or abuses in the DRC. He is also responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC. | 28.7.2023 |
| 19. | Michel RUKUNDA | a.k.a. Makanika
  Function/rank: Commander and Military leader of the armed group Twirwaneho in South Kivu
  DOB: 12.9.1974
  POB: Minembwe, South-Kivu, DRC
  Nationality: DRC
  Gender: Male | Michel Rukunda is a former Colonel of the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) and the Commander and Military leader of the non-governmental armed group Twirwaneho operating in South Kivu, which claims to represent the Banyamulenge Community.
  Twirwaneho sustains the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC and is responsible for serious human rights abuses in that country, in particular through the voluntary or forced child recruitment to participate actively in hostilities, attacks against civilians and the Congolese armed forces (FARDC), and killings, such as attacks against civilians in Mikenge village in November 2021 which killed at least six persons.
  In addition, Michel Rukunda has been directly involved in the military training of recruits and in the use of children, including as armed escorts.
  Owing to his leading position in Twirwaneho and his direct involvement in the training and use of children, Michel Rukunda is therefore involved in planning, directing or committing acts that constitute serious human rights violations or abuses in the DRC. He is also responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC. | 28.7.2023 |
| 20. | Charles SEMATAMA | a.k.a. Sebanyana
  Function/rank: Commander, Deputy military leader of Twirwaneho
  DOB: 1975
  POB: Kalunyo village, around Kamombo localities, South Kivu, DRC
  Nationality: DRC
  Gender: Male | Charles Sematama is a former officer of the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) and holds the leading position of Commander and Deputy Military leader of the non-governmental armed group Twirwaneho operating in South Kivu, which claims to represent the Banyamulenge Community.
  Twirwaneho sustains the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC and is responsible for serious human rights abuses in that country, in particular through the voluntary or forced child recruitment to participate actively in hostilities, attacks against civilians and the Congolese armed forces (FARDC), and killings, such as attacks against civilians in Mikenge village in November 2021 which killed at least six persons.
  In addition, Charles Sematama has been directly involved in propaganda sessions as well as in the forced recruitment and use of children, including as armed escorts.
  Owing to his leading position in Twirwaneho and his direct involvement in the forced recruitment and use of children, Charles Sematama is therefore involved in planning, directing or committing acts that constitute serious human rights violations or abuses in the DRC. He is also responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC. | 28.7.2023 |
| 21. | Ahmad Mahmood HASSAN | a.k.a. Ahmad Mahamood Hassan, Ahmad Mahmoud Hassan, Jundi, Abwakasi, Abuwakas, Murabu, Marabou, or Mwarabu
  Function/rank: ADF senior leader.
  DOB: Approximately 1993
  Nationality: Tanzanian
  Gender: Male | Ahmad Mahmood Hassan is a senior leader of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a non-governmental armed group operating in Uganda and the Eastern DRC. He has been identified as holding key responsibilities in the ADF, including command of a camp, training of recruits, production of bombs, online outreach and rapprochement with ISIL (Da’esh).
  The ADF sustains the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC (particularly in the Ituri and North Kivu provinces) and is responsible for serious human rights abuses in that country, in particular through attacks against civilians, killings and abductions, such as the attacks in March 2023 in southern and south-east Beni territory killing more than 80 civilians and abducting more than 20 others.
  In addition, Ahmad Mahmood Hassan has been directly involved in the planning and conduct of ADF attacks, including a bombing in the small town of Kasindi (Beni territory) on 15 January 2023 and a bomb attack in Goma on 7 April 2022 which killed six persons and injured sixteen others.
  Owing to his senior leading position within the ADF and his direct involvement in the planning and conduct of ADF attacks, Ahmad Mahmood Hassan is therefore involved in planning, directing or committing acts that constitute serious human rights violations or abuses in the DRC. He is also responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC. | 28.7.2023 |
| 22. | Janvier Karairi (“Karahiri”) BUINGO | Function/rank: General, head of APCLS
  DOB: Approximately 1962
  Nationality: Assumed Congolese (DRC)
  Gender: Male | Janvier Karairi holds the leading position of General and head of the Alliance des patriotes pour un Congo libre et souverain (APCLS), a non-governmental armed group operating in the North-Eastern DRC and involved in the coalition of armed groups “Alliance des résistants de la patrie” (ARP) against the Mouvement du 23 mars (M23)/Armée révolutionnaire congolaise (ARC).
  The APCLS sustains the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC and is responsible for serious human rights abuses in that country, in particular through participating in operations of the coalition of armed groups ARP, such as in Kitshanga and Rubaya in January and late February 2023, killings of and attacks against civilians, notably against Congolese Tutsi’s, and grave violations committed against children such as rapes and other forms of sexual violence and abduction.
  Owing to his leading position in the APCLS, Janvier Karairi is therefore involved in planning, directing or committing acts that constitute serious human rights violations or abuses in the DRC. He is also responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC. | 28.7.2023 |
| 23. | Justin Maki GESI | a.k.a. Le petit loup de la montagne
  Function/rank: Commander of CODECO/Alliance pour le Développement du Congo (CODECO/ALC).
  DOB: Unknown
  Nationality: Assumed Congolese (DRC)
  Gender: Male | Justin Maki Gesi holds a leading position as Commander of the ALC/CODECO, a non-governmental armed group operating in North-Eastern DRC (especially Ituri).
  The ALC/CODECO sustains the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC and is responsible for serious human rights abuses in that country, in particular through the use of children as combatants, abductions, killings of and attacks against civilians, such as the attack on the villages of Nyamamba and Mbogi on 13 January 2023 after which more than 40 victims were found.
  Owing to his leading position in the CODECO/ALC, Justin Maki Gesi is therefore involved in planning, directing or committing acts that constitute serious human rights violations or abuses in the DRC. He is also responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC. | 28.7.2023 |
| 24. | Apollinaire HAKIZIMANA | a.k.a. le poète, Adonia
  Function/rank: Lieutenant-General within FDLR/Commissioner of Defense
  DOB: 1964
  Nationality: Rwanda
  Gender: Male | Apollinaire Hakizimana is a military leader of the “Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda-Forces combattantes abacunguzi” (FDLR-FOCA), as General and Commissioner of Defense of this non-governmental armed group operating in Eastern DRC.
  The FDLR-FOCA sustains the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC and is responsible for serious human rights abuses in that country, in particular through recruitment and training of combatants, killings of civilians, and grave violations committed against children such as rapes and other acts of sexual violence and abduction.
  Owing to his leading position in the FDLR-FOCA, Apollinaire Hakizimana is therefore involved in planning, directing or committing acts that constitute serious human rights violations or abuses in the DRC. He is also responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC. | 28.7.2023 |
| 25. | Simon (Salomon) TOKOLONGA | Function/rank: Colonel, commander of the FARDC 3411th regiment
  DOB: 17.4.1972
  POB: Kishandja (North Kivu)
  Nationality: DRC
  Gender: Male | Colonel Simon Tokolonga holds a leading position in the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) as head of its 3411th regiment.
  Colonel Tokolonga attended a meeting in Pinga on 8 and 9 May 2022 where local armed groups, such as the Nduma défense du Congo-Rénové (NDC-R) and the Alliance des patriotes pour un Congo libre et souverain (APCLS), gathered and forged a coalition to resist the Mouvement du 23 mars (M23)/Armée révolutionnaire congolaise (ARC) (coalition “Alliance des résistants de la patrie” – ARP). The presence of Colonel Tokolonga has revealed the cooperation of some FARDC members with this coalition.
  In addition, members of the 3411th regiment of the FARDC have supplied weapons and ammunitions to armed groups operating in the DRC, including the provision of more than a dozen boxes of ammunition to FDLR (“Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda”) fighters in Kazaroho in July 2022. Colonel Tokolonga has reportedly coordinated several weapons supplies to armed groups operating against M23/ARC.
  The non-governmental armed groups part of the ARP coalition, including the NDC-R, APCLS and FDLR, sustain the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC, and are responsible for serious human rights abuses in that country, in particular through recruitment and training of combatants, participation in operations against M23/ARC, attacks against civilians, killings, and grave violations committed against children such as rapes and other forms of sexual violence and abduction.
  Owing to his leading position in the 3411th regiment of the FARDC and his coordinating role in weapons supplies, Simon Tokolonga is therefore responsible for providing support to armed groups sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC, including by providing them with arms and ammunitions. | 28.7.2023 |
| 26. | Jean Pierre NIRAGIRE | a.k.a. Jean-Pierre, Gasasira
  Function/rank: Captain. Commander of the Rwandese Defence Forces (RDF) Special Forces Unit active in Northern Kivu.
  Nationality: Rwanda
  Gender: Male | Captain Jean-Pierre Niragire holds the leading position of commander of the Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF) special forces deployed in the North Kivu region of the DRC from May 2022 onward.
  The objective of the RDF military actions on the DRC territory has been to reinforce the March 23 Movement/Congolese Revolutionary Army (M23/ARC), a non-governmental armed group operating in Eastern DRC, in particular by providing it with troops and materiel.
  The M23/ARC sustains the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC, and is responsible for serious human rights abuses in that country, in particular through attacks against civilians and the Congolese armed forces (FARDC), killings, torture, rapes and forced labour, such as a series of killings targeting civilians in the town of Kisheshe on 29 November 2022.
  As commander of the RDF special forces deployed in the North Kivu region, Jean Pierre Niragire is therefore responsible for providing support to the armed group M23/ARC, which sustains the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC, in particular by providing it with troops and materiel. | 28.7.2023’ |

Name

Identifying information

Statement of Reasons

Date of listing

‘18.

Bernard Maheshe BYAMUNGU

a.k.a. Tiger One

Function/rank: Brigadier-General in M23/ARC, Deputy Commander of operations

DOB: 10.10.1974

Nationality: DRC

Gender: Male

Bernard Byamungu holds a leading position in the military branch of the Mouvement du 23 mars (M23)/Armée révolutionnaire congolaise (ARC) as Brigadier-General and Deputy-Commander of operations of this non-governmental armed group operating in Eastern DRC.

The M23/ARC sustains the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC and is responsible for serious human rights abuses in that country, in particular through attacks against civilians and the Congolese armed forces (FARDC), killings, torture, rapes and forced labour, such as a series of killings targeting civilians in the town of Kisheshe on 29 November 2022.

Owing to his leading position in the M23/ARC, Bernard Byamungu is therefore involved in planning, directing or committing acts that constitute serious human rights violations or abuses in the DRC. He is also responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC.

28.7.2023

19.

Michel RUKUNDA

a.k.a. Makanika

Function/rank: Commander and Military leader of the armed group Twirwaneho in South Kivu

DOB: 12.9.1974

POB: Minembwe, South-Kivu, DRC

Nationality: DRC

Gender: Male

Michel Rukunda is a former Colonel of the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) and the Commander and Military leader of the non-governmental armed group Twirwaneho operating in South Kivu, which claims to represent the Banyamulenge Community.

Twirwaneho sustains the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC and is responsible for serious human rights abuses in that country, in particular through the voluntary or forced child recruitment to participate actively in hostilities, attacks against civilians and the Congolese armed forces (FARDC), and killings, such as attacks against civilians in Mikenge village in November 2021 which killed at least six persons.

In addition, Michel Rukunda has been directly involved in the military training of recruits and in the use of children, including as armed escorts.

Owing to his leading position in Twirwaneho and his direct involvement in the training and use of children, Michel Rukunda is therefore involved in planning, directing or committing acts that constitute serious human rights violations or abuses in the DRC. He is also responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC.

28.7.2023

20.

Charles SEMATAMA

a.k.a. Sebanyana

Function/rank: Commander, Deputy military leader of Twirwaneho

DOB: 1975

POB: Kalunyo village, around Kamombo localities, South Kivu, DRC

Nationality: DRC

Gender: Male

Charles Sematama is a former officer of the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) and holds the leading position of Commander and Deputy Military leader of the non-governmental armed group Twirwaneho operating in South Kivu, which claims to represent the Banyamulenge Community.

Twirwaneho sustains the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC and is responsible for serious human rights abuses in that country, in particular through the voluntary or forced child recruitment to participate actively in hostilities, attacks against civilians and the Congolese armed forces (FARDC), and killings, such as attacks against civilians in Mikenge village in November 2021 which killed at least six persons.

In addition, Charles Sematama has been directly involved in propaganda sessions as well as in the forced recruitment and use of children, including as armed escorts.

Owing to his leading position in Twirwaneho and his direct involvement in the forced recruitment and use of children, Charles Sematama is therefore involved in planning, directing or committing acts that constitute serious human rights violations or abuses in the DRC. He is also responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC.

28.7.2023

21.

Ahmad Mahmood HASSAN

a.k.a. Ahmad Mahamood Hassan, Ahmad Mahmoud Hassan, Jundi, Abwakasi, Abuwakas, Murabu, Marabou, or Mwarabu

Function/rank: ADF senior leader.

DOB: Approximately 1993

Nationality: Tanzanian

Gender: Male

Ahmad Mahmood Hassan is a senior leader of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a non-governmental armed group operating in Uganda and the Eastern DRC. He has been identified as holding key responsibilities in the ADF, including command of a camp, training of recruits, production of bombs, online outreach and rapprochement with ISIL (Da’esh).

The ADF sustains the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC (particularly in the Ituri and North Kivu provinces) and is responsible for serious human rights abuses in that country, in particular through attacks against civilians, killings and abductions, such as the attacks in March 2023 in southern and south-east Beni territory killing more than 80 civilians and abducting more than 20 others.

In addition, Ahmad Mahmood Hassan has been directly involved in the planning and conduct of ADF attacks, including a bombing in the small town of Kasindi (Beni territory) on 15 January 2023 and a bomb attack in Goma on 7 April 2022 which killed six persons and injured sixteen others.

Owing to his senior leading position within the ADF and his direct involvement in the planning and conduct of ADF attacks, Ahmad Mahmood Hassan is therefore involved in planning, directing or committing acts that constitute serious human rights violations or abuses in the DRC. He is also responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC.

28.7.2023

22.

Janvier Karairi (“Karahiri”) BUINGO

Function/rank: General, head of APCLS

DOB: Approximately 1962

Nationality: Assumed Congolese (DRC)

Gender: Male

Janvier Karairi holds the leading position of General and head of the Alliance des patriotes pour un Congo libre et souverain (APCLS), a non-governmental armed group operating in the North-Eastern DRC and involved in the coalition of armed groups “Alliance des résistants de la patrie” (ARP) against the Mouvement du 23 mars (M23)/Armée révolutionnaire congolaise (ARC).

The APCLS sustains the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC and is responsible for serious human rights abuses in that country, in particular through participating in operations of the coalition of armed groups ARP, such as in Kitshanga and Rubaya in January and late February 2023, killings of and attacks against civilians, notably against Congolese Tutsi’s, and grave violations committed against children such as rapes and other forms of sexual violence and abduction.

Owing to his leading position in the APCLS, Janvier Karairi is therefore involved in planning, directing or committing acts that constitute serious human rights violations or abuses in the DRC. He is also responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC.

28.7.2023

23.

Justin Maki GESI

a.k.a. Le petit loup de la montagne

Function/rank: Commander of CODECO/Alliance pour le Développement du Congo (CODECO/ALC).

DOB: Unknown

Nationality: Assumed Congolese (DRC)

Gender: Male

Justin Maki Gesi holds a leading position as Commander of the ALC/CODECO, a non-governmental armed group operating in North-Eastern DRC (especially Ituri).

The ALC/CODECO sustains the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC and is responsible for serious human rights abuses in that country, in particular through the use of children as combatants, abductions, killings of and attacks against civilians, such as the attack on the villages of Nyamamba and Mbogi on 13 January 2023 after which more than 40 victims were found.

Owing to his leading position in the CODECO/ALC, Justin Maki Gesi is therefore involved in planning, directing or committing acts that constitute serious human rights violations or abuses in the DRC. He is also responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC.

28.7.2023

24.

Apollinaire HAKIZIMANA

a.k.a. le poète, Adonia

Function/rank: Lieutenant-General within FDLR/Commissioner of Defense

DOB: 1964

Nationality: Rwanda

Gender: Male

Apollinaire Hakizimana is a military leader of the “Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda-Forces combattantes abacunguzi” (FDLR-FOCA), as General and Commissioner of Defense of this non-governmental armed group operating in Eastern DRC.

The FDLR-FOCA sustains the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC and is responsible for serious human rights abuses in that country, in particular through recruitment and training of combatants, killings of civilians, and grave violations committed against children such as rapes and other acts of sexual violence and abduction.

Owing to his leading position in the FDLR-FOCA, Apollinaire Hakizimana is therefore involved in planning, directing or committing acts that constitute serious human rights violations or abuses in the DRC. He is also responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC.

28.7.2023

25.

Simon (Salomon) TOKOLONGA

Function/rank: Colonel, commander of the FARDC 3411th regiment

DOB: 17.4.1972

POB: Kishandja (North Kivu)

Nationality: DRC

Gender: Male

Colonel Simon Tokolonga holds a leading position in the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) as head of its 3411th regiment.

Colonel Tokolonga attended a meeting in Pinga on 8 and 9 May 2022 where local armed groups, such as the Nduma défense du Congo-Rénové (NDC-R) and the Alliance des patriotes pour un Congo libre et souverain (APCLS), gathered and forged a coalition to resist the Mouvement du 23 mars (M23)/Armée révolutionnaire congolaise (ARC) (coalition “Alliance des résistants de la patrie” – ARP). The presence of Colonel Tokolonga has revealed the cooperation of some FARDC members with this coalition.

In addition, members of the 3411th regiment of the FARDC have supplied weapons and ammunitions to armed groups operating in the DRC, including the provision of more than a dozen boxes of ammunition to FDLR (“Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda”) fighters in Kazaroho in July 2022. Colonel Tokolonga has reportedly coordinated several weapons supplies to armed groups operating against M23/ARC.

The non-governmental armed groups part of the ARP coalition, including the NDC-R, APCLS and FDLR, sustain the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC, and are responsible for serious human rights abuses in that country, in particular through recruitment and training of combatants, participation in operations against M23/ARC, attacks against civilians, killings, and grave violations committed against children such as rapes and other forms of sexual violence and abduction.

Owing to his leading position in the 3411th regiment of the FARDC and his coordinating role in weapons supplies, Simon Tokolonga is therefore responsible for providing support to armed groups sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC, including by providing them with arms and ammunitions.

28.7.2023

26.

Jean Pierre NIRAGIRE

a.k.a. Jean-Pierre, Gasasira

Function/rank: Captain. Commander of the Rwandese Defence Forces (RDF) Special Forces Unit active in Northern Kivu.

Nationality: Rwanda

Gender: Male

Captain Jean-Pierre Niragire holds the leading position of commander of the Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF) special forces deployed in the North Kivu region of the DRC from May 2022 onward.

The objective of the RDF military actions on the DRC territory has been to reinforce the March 23 Movement/Congolese Revolutionary Army (M23/ARC), a non-governmental armed group operating in Eastern DRC, in particular by providing it with troops and materiel.

The M23/ARC sustains the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC, and is responsible for serious human rights abuses in that country, in particular through attacks against civilians and the Congolese armed forces (FARDC), killings, torture, rapes and forced labour, such as a series of killings targeting civilians in the town of Kisheshe on 29 November 2022.

As commander of the RDF special forces deployed in the North Kivu region, Jean Pierre Niragire is therefore responsible for providing support to the armed group M23/ARC, which sustains the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC, in particular by providing it with troops and materiel.

28.7.2023’

---

| 28.7.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | LI 190/37 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

28.7.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

LI 190/37

---

COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2023/1568

of 28 July 2023

amending Decision 2010/788/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 29 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,

Whereas:

| (1) | On 20 December 2010, the Council adopted Decision 2010/788/CFSP (1), concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). |
| --- | --- |

(1)

On 20 December 2010, the Council adopted Decision 2010/788/CFSP (1), concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

| (2) | On 12 December 2016, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2016/2231 (2) in response to the obstruction of the electoral process and to human rights violations in the DRC. Decision (CFSP) 2016/2231 amended Decision 2010/788/CFSP and introduced additional restrictive measures in Article 3(2) of Decision 2010/788/CFSP. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

On 12 December 2016, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2016/2231 (2) in response to the obstruction of the electoral process and to human rights violations in the DRC. Decision (CFSP) 2016/2231 amended Decision 2010/788/CFSP and introduced additional restrictive measures in Article 3(2) of Decision 2010/788/CFSP.

| (3) | On 7 July 2023, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy issued a statement on behalf of the Union on the situation in the DRC, expressing grave concern over the worsening security and humanitarian situation and outrage over the levels of violence and atrocities that continue to be perpetrated against civilians by non-governmental armed groups. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

On 7 July 2023, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy issued a statement on behalf of the Union on the situation in the DRC, expressing grave concern over the worsening security and humanitarian situation and outrage over the levels of violence and atrocities that continue to be perpetrated against civilians by non-governmental armed groups.

| (4) | In view of the gravity of the situation in the DRC, the Council considers that the designation criterion in Article 3(2), point (d), of Decision 2010/788/CFSP should be amended to allow for the application of targeted restrictive measures against natural or legal persons, entities or bodies that provide support to any natural or legal person, entity or body responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability or insecurity in the DRC. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

In view of the gravity of the situation in the DRC, the Council considers that the designation criterion in Article 3(2), point (d), of Decision 2010/788/CFSP should be amended to allow for the application of targeted restrictive measures against natural or legal persons, entities or bodies that provide support to any natural or legal person, entity or body responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability or insecurity in the DRC.

| (5) | Decision 2010/788/CFSP should therefore be amended accordingly. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

Decision 2010/788/CFSP should therefore be amended accordingly.

| (6) | Further action by the Union is necessary to implement certain measures in this Decision, |
| --- | --- |

(6)

Further action by the Union is necessary to implement certain measures in this Decision,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

In Article 3(2) of Decision 2010/788/CFSP, point (d) is replaced by the following:

| ‘(d) | providing support to natural or legal persons, entities or bodies responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability or insecurity in the DRC;’. |
| --- | --- |

‘(d)

providing support to natural or legal persons, entities or bodies responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability or insecurity in the DRC;’.

Article 2

This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Done at Brussels, 28 July 2023.

For the Council

The President

P. NAVARRO RÍOS

---

(1)  Council Decision 2010/788/CFSP of 20 December 2010 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (OJ L 336, 21.12.2010, p. 30).

1

(2)  Council Decision (CFSP) 2016/2231 of 12 December 2016 amending Decision 2010/788/CFSP concerning restrictive measures against the Democratic Republic of the Congo (OJ L 336 I, 12.12.2016, p. 7).

2

---