The United States has imposed sanctions on former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila, citing his alleged support for Rwanda-backed M23 rebels and his role in contributing to political instability in eastern DRC.
The US Treasury Department said the M23 group and its political-military wing, the Congo River Alliance (AFC), have fuelled violent conflict in the region, resulting in thousands of civilian deaths and widespread displacement.
According to the Treasury, Kabila provided financial support to the AFC in an effort to influence political developments in eastern DRC and encouraged members of the national armed forces to defect and join rebel-aligned forces. He is also accused of attempting to regain political influence by backing opposition candidates.
DRC Deputy Prime Minister Jacque Main Shabani welcomed the sanctions, describing Kabila as a central figure in the country’s instability and accusing him of undermining peace efforts.
The sanctions form part of broader US efforts to uphold a peace agreement signed between Rwanda and the DRC in Washington in December, which later broke down.
US officials have also recently sanctioned Rwanda’s defence forces and senior military figures over alleged involvement in the conflict and have called for their withdrawal from eastern DRC.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the measures aim to support peace efforts and ensure accountability for those undermining stability in the region. State Department officials also urged regional actors to reject violence and support diplomatic solutions.
Rwanda has consistently denied allegations that it supports the M23/AFC alliance.
Kabila, who led the DRC for nearly two decades, was sentenced to death in absentia by a military court in Kinshasa on charges including war crimes and treason, which he denies, calling the proceedings politically motivated.
He has recently been based mainly in South Africa, although he appeared in the rebel-held city of Goma earlier this year. The current DRC government has taken steps to suspend his political party and seize assets linked to his allies.
The US sanctions will freeze any assets Kabila holds under US jurisdiction and prohibit transactions involving US financial systems.