In a press release published on 6 March 2017, the EU informs the Democratic Republic of Congo that it remains ready to impose new targeted sanctions as a result of the serious human rights violations that have recently occurred in Congo, the refusal of President Joseph Kabila to stand down at the end of his term and the general blockage of the December 2016 political agreement. The press release states that: “The EU reminds political leaders and members of the security forces that it is prepared to adopt new individual restrictions measures against those responsible for serious human rights violations or for incitement to violence and those who would obstruct a consensual and peaceful solution to the crisis, one that respects the aspiration of the people of the DRC to elect their representatives. The EU invites the High Representative to initiate work to this end.”