“Each of these individuals is contributing to instability in the eastern DR Congo and, in many cases, perpetrating human rights abuses, including sexual violence and violence against children,” the US Department of State said in a statement.

The six include a commander in DR Congo's military, a brigadier in Rwanda's armed forces, and members of M23 group and the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR)

The sanctions will result in the freezing of the individuals’ assets in the US.

The sanctions also prohibit the individuals from engaging in business with Americans or receiving or benefitting from support in form of funds, goods, or services.