Brussels, Rabi' I 10, 1438, December 9, 2016, SPA - European Union foreign ministers will impose asset freezes and travel bans next Monday on Congolese officials deemed responsible for suppressing anti-government protests in September that killed dozens, diplomats said today. The move follows similar sanctions imposed in June and September by the United States against three generals in Democratic Republic of Congo for their alleged involvement in cracking down on demonstrations and blocking democratic processes. At least 48 civilians were killed by security forces in protests on Sept. 19 and 20 against President Joseph Kabila's plan to stay in power after his mandate expires on Dec. 19, according to the United Nations, and international powers fear demonstrations this month could lead to wider violence. -- SPA 19:34 LOCAL TIME 16:34 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w286907